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8 Pages Rs: 1.00 Jammu Edition www.thestudentage.com

STUdent aGE
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

JKENG/2012/41612 Vol. 2 No: 74

Jaitley accuses PM of 'blatantly interfering' in CBI functioning

As times change, the dragon gets friendly

Systems to prevent money laundering in India perfect, says RBI

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IN BRIEF
Pass Hindu Shrines bill in this session: Panun Kashmir to Govt
JAMMU: Panun Kashmir, an organisation of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits, on Thursday asked the Jammu and Kashmir Government to pass the Hindu Shrines bill during the ongoing Budget Session of the state Legislature. "In the absence of any contd on page 2

NC appeases New Delhi, Kamal appeases, Kashmiris

Manohar Lal follows Sham, dejected with functioning of government

SRINAGAR, MARCH 21: A visibly dejected Manohar Lal Sharma Congress leader and Minister of State for Higher Education and fisheries on Thursday gave vent to his frustration when he said that the anti -Congress and pro Kashmiri statements of Shiekh Mustafa Kamal were becoming not only irritants but big stumbling blocks for the Coalition to continue as a means of addressing the genuine issues of the people of the State. Earlier Sham Lal Sharma had also lashed out at Kashmir centric parties for high jacking the precious time of Assembly and wasting time of the House on Parliament mastermind Afzal Guru. "It's our compulsion to form government with National Conference. The more we try to sort out our difference, the more differences arise. PDP and NC are two faces of the same coins which despite wishing to meet will never that some people tried to befool people of Kashmir by raising the issue of Afzal Guroo and when they felt that they are helpless and can't do anything ,they simply boycotted the session and gave people an impression that that they are their well wisher. "Assembly is not a fish market but the people who raise antinational issues have turned it into fish market. Defending Sham Lal Sharma, Manohar said that Sham never talked about something which can be antinational. "He (Sham Lal Sharma) knows the reality and he wants to make people aware about the hidden agenda of political parties of Kashmir. He said that Congress party fully opposes the concept of Autonomy and Self rule. "If National Conference knew that Congress was against the concept autonomy, then it should not have sought the help contd on page 2

CBI a potent weapon which no political leader can displease?

NEW DELHI, MARCH 21: Timing is very important in politics. Like a film script where every scene is detailed and nothing in politcs happens in random manner. Every move has a motive and the timing of CBI raids on DMK chief M Karunanidhi's son Stalin are also not without motives and conspiracy. Despite whatever explanations Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gives, the timing of the raid gives away the motives. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called it 'most unfortunate'. "Government has role in the CBI raid, will find out who was behind it," he told reporters. He also said that the timing of the raid was not right. Stalin may have been the victim, the message of the raid was intended for many. DMK, which pulled out of UPA on Tuesday and withdrew its ministers yesterday, said the contd on page 2

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MULAYAM BACK ON TRACK

Yesterday Samajwadi Party had scheduled its parliamentary party meeting to decide its response to Beni Prasad Verma's remark against its supreme Mulayam Singh Yadav. Till yesterday, the SP showed unrelenting anger and was demanding Verma's head. But by mid-afternoon, tough talking Mulayam had become softer than ice cream contd on page 2

Amnesty against use of pepper gas in Kashmir

NEW DELHI: Amnesty International Thursday called for a halt in the use "pepper gas" to tackle street protests in Jammu and Kashmir. "In view of the recent deaths and harmful effects on bystanders, Amnesty calls for security forces to... revert to previously tested and less potentially harmful contd on page 2

meet," Manohar Lal Sharma told CNS adding that the way Mustafa Kamal is issuing statements amply makes it clear that the party is befooling people. Without naming PDP, Sharma said

Criticising the CBI raid, the finance minister said, "In this case I have to say that I strongly disapprove of the action. This action will be misunderstood."

Karnataka BJP gets new chief ahead of assembly polls

BANGALORE: The BJP Thursday named Lok Sabha member and long-time RSS activist Pralhad Joshi as the party's Karnataka unit president, ending two weeks of dilly-dallying after incumbent K. S. Eshwarappa quit March 7. The appointment of the 50year-old Joshi, announced by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, comes ahead of the state contd on page 2

Malicious use of social media can't be freedom of speech: Omar

NEW DELHI: Castigating bitterly the use of social media for spreading canards and with a sinister aim to disturb hard won peace, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that it could not be the real meaning of freedom of speech. Speaking on 'pros and cons of tweets' being jointly organised by Google, Omar said twitter in the present "I can't use twitter to gauge the mood of people in Kashmir as to how they react to a particular story. I can use it to get my point of view across," he said. Asked about the use of micro-blogging site especially recently in the aftermath of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru hanging, he said use of the social networking sites is a classic example after contd on page 2

Omar Govt discriminating against Jammu, should be removed: Jugal

JAMMU: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday demanded dismissal of the State government for "discriminating" against the Jammu region and requested Governor N N Vohra to dissolve the House. "I appeal to the Governor to recommend dissolution of the Assembly," Party's State president Jugal Kishore Sharma, who was suspended from taking part in Assebly proceedings for rest of the Budget session, said. He accused the government of not paying heed to questions related to the development contd on page 2

Using 'Sahib' with Guru is against normal human behaviour : RSS

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir wing of Rashtriya Sayam Sevak Sang (RSS) on Thursday expressed concern over using of suffix 'Sahib' with the name of hanged Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru in the State Assembly. "Use of respectful words for a terrorist like Afzal Guru is dangerous for the

day's political space "supplements and complements what we do" but added that the micro-blogging site could not be an accurate indicator of what people are thinking.

integrity and security of the country. RSS questioned the use of contd on page 2

GHOST OF 1993 FOLLOWS: 5 year Jail for Sanjay Dutt, death for Yakub Memon
NEW DELHI: Delivering its verdict in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, the Supreme Court on Thursday upheld Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt's conviction under the Arms Act but commuted his jail sentence from six years to five. Dutt had been given sixyear jail term by the TADA court. As he has already spent 18 months in jail, he will now have to spend another three and a half years in prison. The convicts who are on bail, including Sanjay Dutt, will have to surrender within four weeks. Meanwhile, as per reports, he has decided to file a review petition against the verdict. Delivering the verdict the SC said, "The circumstances and nature of offence was so serious that Dutt cannot be released on probation." It also said that the evidence and materials perused by TADA court in arriving at the decision against the actor Dutt were correct. Dutt was convicted in November 2006 for illegal possession of a 9mm pistol and an AK-56 rifle but was acquitted of more serious charges of criminal conspiracy under the now defunct anti-terror TADA. Just after the verdict was announced, a visibly upset Priya Dutt, the actor's sister, talking to reporters outside the court said, "I really don't know contd on page 2

UPSC restores position of regional languages in CSE (Mains) exam

NEW DELHI:Heeding to the advice of parliamentary media and others, the UPSC on Thursday changed its notification for the civil services (mains) examination by restoring the status of language papers where the aspirants will now be able to take the test not only in English or Hindi but also in any of regional language. The English essay paper of 100 marks in the 2013 Civil Services Main Examination, which raised a nation-wide controversy, has been dropped and the earlier practice of two qualifying papers in any Indian language and English restored, government said on Thursday. "The English component (of 100 marks) from the Essay Paper will be dropped and the status quo ante of two qualifying papers of 300 marks each in any modern Indian language and in English -- shall be restored," Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy said in the Lok Sabha. In a statement on contd on page 2

Finally India Votes against Srilanka

NEW DELHI/GENEVA: UNHRC on Thursday adopted the US-sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka on human rights. 25 countries-including India-voted in favour of the US resolution, 13 against and 8 abstained from voting. India at the UNHRC moved no amendments and said it would encourage Sri Lanka to expedite the process of broad-based, inclusive and meaningful reconciliation. Earlier, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva voted on the resolution to press the Sri Lankan government for a more thorough probe of accusations of mass murder contd on page 2

CM is right this time

he silence of separatists, political parties and human rights groups over the killing of a youth in Sopore within the holy precincts of a mosque by militants is a grim pointer to the fact that Kashmir is heading towards a mindset that is selective in content and paranoid in texture. The Chief Minister was right when he said that few tears are shed when terrorists are involved in killing innocents. His anger was genuine because for a month now he is witness to the mortifying spectacle over Afzal Guru in the Assembly and outside it. His party too did not let the issue die but tried to raise the pitch in favour of Guru. The result is that the Chief

Minister is isolated more today than he was anytime in his political career. His junior coalition partner is uncomfortable over the continued support and attention of Kashmir based political parties for the Parliament attack mastermind. Whatever is the matter but for the sake of fair play and objectivity Omar has said a truth that few have courage to utter. It is a travesty that in the historical sense, truth has always been made first causality in Kashmir. The K-issue is sought to be projected on reasons and logic that defy the reality on the ground. And when untruth is the base how objective consistency can become visible. In such a grey atmosphere which is full of false calculations if CM tells something that comes from his heart it should be taken well. Today

in the vicious and malicious political discourse rationality and common sense are relegated to the background. The result is for all of us to behold. An innocent youth is killed in cold blood after being chased and when he seeks shelter in the house of God, he is killed in full view of people present there. The separatists of the ilk of Geelanis, Maliks, Omars, and Shahs etc remain silent. For them the incident is not worth mentioning. They do not have the guts or the inner strength to come out openly to condemn the cowardly act. What about the active netizens of Kashmir? Regarding Afzal Guru they are very vocal on Blogs, twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites but on the killing of this innocent youth why they have gone into their

shell. It was only four days ago that on cell phones and social sites these netizens at the behest of separatists were sending frantic messages to endorse call for Hartal on Guru but when innocent lives of a Sopore youth or five unarmed CRPF Jawans are taken by terrorists they turn silent. The CM rightly has asked these partisan netizens the cause of their silence. If they are being propped up by some forces inimical to peace and truth then they are doing a great disservice to the cause of lasting peace in Kashmir and if they are selectively silent then they are answerable to their conscience. In either case they need a serious self introspection so that their grey vision is cleared of doubt and calumny. ROHIT SINGH RANA

Our Government Our CBI

overnments are meant to be active when it comes to governance and uplifting the lot of the people. In political science, Government is one of the three essential ingredients of a State. But a government that is selectively pro-active is not what the founding fathers of this great nation had visualized. The turn of events in the past three days suggest that UPA is in a Sabak Sikhayenge mode when it comes to deal with coalition partners who do not see eye to eye with its policies. The (miss) use of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the central government is to be seen in this perspective. After an interesting plot in which DMK first put pressure on UPA regarding

the resolution against Sri Lanka then suddenly decided to withdraw support to the government nobody thought that the UPA in turn would act so hastily to teach DMK a lesson. Yesterday, the CBI raid on DMK leader's residence is a dismal pointer to the harsh fact that when it comes to using of CBI as potent weapon to browbeat opponents the Congress led UPA is ruthless. The common man is bewildered. He has doubts in his mind. He waits expectantly for the day when CBI will be given full autonomy. He looks up in the heavens and prays for such times to come when politics of vendetta will be given a go by. How long will he have to wait for such days to come? Please answer the pilots of the destiny of this nation. Ranasahib

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CONTD.
ly against the established norms of universal human behavior. RSS asked the elected representatives of the State who swear by the Constitution of India to think over the matter cutting across party philosophy or electoral calculations to be cautious about it, RSS State President, Brig (retd) Suchet Singh told reporters here. It is pertinent to mention here that during the course of debates in the State Assembly Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, State Law Minister Mir Saifullah and NC member Nasir Aslam Wani and other members had referred to the mastermind of Parliament terror attack as "sahib" during discussions in the Assembly.NC's coalition partner, the Congress, had also objected to the use of prefix to Guru inside the House along with the BJP and NPP members. ommendations" made in the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), and to take all necessary additional steps to fulfill its relevant legal obligations and commitment to initiate credible and independent actions to ensure justice, equity and accountability, and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans. Apparently the drubbing the BJP suffered in the coastal region in the recent municipal elections has tilted the balance in favour Joshi, though the party fared poorly in his home district Dharwad also. While BJP is still working on caste-region combine to win poll battle, the party's former leader B.S. Yeddyurappa stole a march over it Thursday by releasing the first list of 69 candidates of his Karnataka Janata Party (KJP). Yeddyurappa, who quit as BJP chief minister in July 2011 over mining bribery charges and the party in November last year, had made defeat of his former party as his main aim. He has said KJP would fight all the 224 seats. The assembly has 224 elected and one nominated member. The state Congress leaders, president G. Parameshwara and leader of the opposition in the assembly Siddaramiah are in New Delhi to finalise the party candidates in consultation with central party leaders. The other main party, the Janata DalSecular, has said it would release the first list of its nominees by March 23. The nominations open April 10 and close April 17. Vote count in on May 8.

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Arsenal Brigade of Indian Army organizes Medical Camp
KATHUA, MARCH 21- As part of Operation Sadbhavana, Indian Army under the aegis of Arsenal Brigade organised a Medical camp at Village Kharote in Kathua district today. Commander, Arsenal Bridge inaugurated the Medical camp which was attended by State Medical officers, officers from civil administration ,eminent citizens and army personnel. A large number of ExServicemen also attended the camp. The Medical camp provided facilities for Eye, ENT, Pediatrician, Surgical, Gynecology and Dental check up along with display of health education videos. The Medical camp at village Kharote was undertaken on the request from the locals. The necessary drugs and medicines were made available by the army during the camp. Commander, Arsenal Brigade assured the villagers that Army would continue to provide all possible assistance to meet their aspirations by giving impetus to developments projects and health care. The Army had earlier undertaken a number of educational and health care projects which included construction of waiting sheds, providing furniture to schools , provision of drinking water tanks for children and improvement of village playgrounds as part of Operation Sadbhavana .

Pace of developmental works reviewed by DDC Ang

ANANTNAG, MARCH 21: District Development Commissioner, Anantnag, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone today convened an officers meeting to review the pace of ongoing developmental works. During the review meeting, it was told that various projects taken up under centrally and state sponsored schemes are being executed on fast track basis and the officers concerned assured that the projects shall be completed at an earliest. Regarding the newly under construction District Hospital building, it was told that the remaining work of construction will be completed by the end of current financial year. Taking review of PHE, District Development Commissioner was appraised about the prestigious Water Supply Scheme, Bumzoh, which shall cater water availability for about 1,50,000 souls in the area. The said scheme is being developed at a cost of Rs. 45 crore. The spread of epidemic disease Hepatitis-C at Takia Magam, Kokernag was discussed threadbare in the review meeting and strict instruction were passed to Chief Medical Officer, Anantnag for making possible remedies. The District D e v e l o p m e n t Commissioner was ensured that no stone shall be left unturned in catering to all the possible measures necessary for spread of the delay deadly disease. During the review of MG NREGA, it was told that 90 percent of the expenditure has been made and the remaining 10 percent has been completed physically. The expenditure made under NBA is cent percent and it was revealed that all the targeted villages have been covered under the said scheme. The Power Development department authorities were directed to provide electricity to all the consumers under any circumstances by mobilizing all the technical and human resource. The District D e v e l o p m e n t Commissioner further directed all the Executive Officers of Municipalities that anti-polythene drives shall be initiated for checking the menace of all the ill effects of polythene in the district. They were further directed to ensure proper sanitation in the respective Townships. The District D e v e l o p m e n t Commissioner directed all the officers to work with dedication and coordination to achieve all the assigned targets during these concluding days of the current financial year. The officers assured him that all necessary resources shall be mobilized for achieving the cent percent expenditure of plan funds for the current financial year. Among others, the meeting was attended by Additional District D e v e l o p m e n t Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner and all District Officers.

Manohar Lal follows ...

of Congress to form the government? Same applies with the PDP, this party knew that Congress is against the Self-Rule; still it formed the government with the help of our party. I must tell you that these parties are befooling people of Kashmir and they can go to any extent to grab the power," Manohar said. Claiming that Congress party has been continuously expressing displeasure over the statements issued by Mustafa Kamal, Manohar Lal Sharma said that National Conference is trying not only trying to appease Delhi only but people of Kashmir as well. "It is the strategy of National Conference to hit the target without letting anyone injured. The overall leadership of the party appeases New Delhi by their statements while Mustafa Kamal has been assigned with a job to appease to Kashmir people. He further mentioned that these mindsets are putting the whole state to ransom and in the bargain the poor people of the State suffer.

GHOST OF 1993 ...

what to say right now." Talking to a news channel Dutt's counsel Satish Maneshinde said, "Sanjay Dutt is strong enough to face any sentence awarded by the Supreme Court." He also said that he had talked to Dutt after the verdict was announced. The lawyer quoted the actor as saying: "I have accepted the judgement of the court with all humility and I respect the sentence." As per reports around Rs 300 to 350 crores is riding on Sanjay Dutt's upcoming film projects. The SC also upheld the death sentence of Yakub Abdul Razak Memon and described him as the biggest accused in the case. The SC said, "We have no doubt about Memon's role in the blasts. Memon and all absconding accused were 'archers' and rest of the accused were 'arrows' in their hands." Yakub Memon is Tiger Memon's brother. Tiger along with Dawood Ibrahim is said to be the mastermind of the blasts. They fled India after the blasts. The apex court also came down heavily on Pakistan. The SC bench said that Pakistan's complicity in the heinous crime could not be denied. "The accused were trained in bomb making and to handle sophisticated weapons in Pakistan," SC said adding, "Management and conspiracy of blasts were done by Dawood Ibrahim and others." It also said that Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI was also involved in the Mumbai blasts. In another observation, the apex court said, "Police, customs and coastal guards are also to be blamed for 1993 blasts." Meanwhile, the court reduced the death sentence of ten others to life term on the ground that the convicts were behind bars for 20 years and their economic condition was weak." However, they will remain in jail till death. The apex court had heard appeals and cross-appeals filed by and against 100 people who were convicted by the special TADA court in 2006 in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case. After a marathon 10-month-long hearing beginning November 1, 2011, the Supreme Court had in August 2012 reserved its verdict on appeals and cross-appeals in the 1993 Mumbai serial terror bombing case in which 257 people were killed and 713 were injured. During the hearing, the bench had for the first time used laptops in the court to peruse the voluminous documents and record of the case and the submissions of various counsels.

UPSC restores....
the issue, he said the essay paper would now be of 250 marks to be written in the medium or language of the candidate's choice. Bowing to all-round pressure in Parliament, government on March 15 had kept in abeyance the recent controversial notification of the UPSC, giving more weightage to English in these exams. As before, the candidates would be allowed to use any one language from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution or English as the medium of writing the examination, he said. The controversial conditionality imposed by the Union Public Service Commission that language would be allowed as the medium of examination only if a minimum of 25 candidates wanted it has been dropped, Mr Narayanasamy said. Further, he said that a candidate would be allowed to take up literature as an optional subject "without the conditionality of having to do his/her graduation in that language's literature." The Minister said these decisions were taken after the government took into account the views expressed by MPs in Parliament, representations on the notification and consultation with different agencies. Government had kept the UPSC notification in abeyance after the two Houses of Parliament witnessed repeated uproar and adjournments, with members terming the notification as "unconstitutional" and demanding its rollback. They had also sought action against the UPSC chief and others responsible for the action, which they said went against regional languages.

CBI a potent weapon ....

action was a "political vendetta" amid reports that the agency concluded its searches after the uproar broke out. The CBI team said that the searches were in accordance with procedure and not intended to target any particular individual. Upset with the CBI raids on DMK leader MK Stalin, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi had questioned the minister concerned V Narayanasamy. This means all the prinicpal characters of the episode have acted according to the script and the climax was provided by veteran script director M Karunanidhi and unpredictable Mulayam. Like a father figure in Tamil movie, DMK chief Karunanidhi said that the CBI raids on Stalin 'may or may not be political vendetta.' "If the Central Minister says they were not aware of the CBI raids on MK Stalin, we have reasons to believe them," Karunanidhi said. BJP said the CBI searches is an example of "blatant" misuse of power by the UPA government for its survival and proves that it uses the probe agency to muffle allies who are walking out of the ruling coalition.

Amnesty against use....

methods of crowd dispersal," it said. Amnesty also urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to conduct "a prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigation" into the three deaths that were allegedly caused by the use of pepper gas. On March 8, a 60-year-old woman of Srinagar died after a stray pepper spray grenade landed in her house from outside and detonated, engulfing her home in fumes, it said in a statement. Two others, Muhammad Yusuf Sofi, age 40, Abdul Rashid Sheikh, 60, also died allegedly from exposure to the pepper gas, it said. All three were residents of Srinagar, and died in separate incidents where pepper spray grenades were used by law enforcement. All three individuals suffered from pulmonary diseases such as chronic asthma, which were exacerbated by prolonged exposure to the pepper spray, doctors have been quoted as saying in local media reports, Amnesty said. Amnesty stressed that these deaths underscored that police must exercise restraint at all times in the use of "non-lethal" weapons, and minimize damage and injury. Pepper spray grenades were incorporated into the arsenal of "non-lethal" weaponry used to maintain law and order and disperse large crowds in Jammu and Kashmir after a five-month street protest in 2010.

MULAYAM BACK...
and melted in the heat of the CBI raid. The CBI may have done its routine duty but it had an extraordinary effect. Mulayam Singh on Thursday indicated that he was not "angry" over the issue of Union Steel Minister Verma's controversial remarks against him. He also indicated at the SP's parliamentary party that there was no threat to the UPA government from the SP. The CBI is a very potent weapon and no political leader can afford to displease the ruling dispensation and invite the wrath of raids and cases.

Finally India Votes...

of civilmedia by the Lankan army during the war against Tamil separatists in 2009. Indian representative at the UNHRC added, 'We note Sri Lanka's invitation to UN Human Rights Commissioner; we urge her to undertake it as early as possible.' Previously, the US-sponsored draft resolution before the ongoing session of the UN Human Rights Council in ( UNHRC) had called upon the Sri Lankan government to conduct an "independent and credible" investigation into allegations of human rights violations. The draft resolution did not ceded to demands of human rights bodies for an independent international investigation, as being called by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in its report. Welcoming the announcement by the Lankan government to hold elections to the Provincial Council in the Northern Province in September 2013, the draft resolution now calls upon Colombo to fulfil its public commitments, including on the devolution of political authority. A previous version of the draft resolution had expressed concern over the "failure" of the Sri Lanka to fulfil its commitment on devolution of power. The draft resolution, currently under circulation, also welcomes and acknowledges the progress made by the Lankan government in rebuilding infrastructure, demining, resettling the majority of internally displaced persons. At the same time it takes note of the considerable work that lie ahead in the areas of justice, reconciliation and resummediaon of livelihoods, and stresses the importance of the full participation of local populations, including representatives of civil society and minorities, in these efforts. The draft resolution now encourages (not urges as in the previous version) the Sri Lankan government to implement the recommendations made in the report of the Office of the High Commissioner, and also "calls upon" it to "conduct an independent and credible investigation" into allegations of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. It also reiterates its call upon Sri Lanka to "implement effectively the constructive rec-

Pass Hindu Shrines....

institutional mechanism for the preservation of the temples and shrines in Kashmir, the land mafia is free to indulge in the annexation of the said properties with impunity and without fear of law." "In view of this, we request the government to pass the J&K Hindu Shrines and Religious Places (Management and Regulation) Bill in this session," Virender Raina, spokesman, Panun Kashmir, told reporters here. Raina said that these temples and shrines were the symbols of religious beliefs and need to be protected. The spokesman added that the government is fully aware of the situation and has accepted this dire state of affairs, but it is really surprising that they have not passed the Bill in this regard, which is pending in the House for the last few years

Malicious use of....

the execution was done in the national capital. "No sooner had he (Afzal) been executed, we started seeing rumours on social media that his mother died because of shock and you saw people coming out to protest his mother's death, which had not happened. "So, we ask service providers like Google and others to block sites and other things. It's not an easy call to make for somebody who uses social media to get his messages across and then turn around and ask for blocking it," he said. Asked whether this was the reason for blocking the Internet after Afzal's hanging, Omar said with a smile "we did not block the Internet, we only shortened the bandwidth so that rumours do not fly from one part of the Valley to other." Omar, who was flanked by Union Minister Shashi Tharoor and campaign manager for US President Barack Obama, Stephanie Cutter, said it created a "huge problem for us in drawing a fine line between free speech and something that can be hugely problematic.

Karnataka BJP....
assembly polls on May 5. A party release said that Joshi's "appointment comes into immediate effect." Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi is from Dharwad, the home town of Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, which is about 430 km north of Bangalore. He is representing Dharwad in Lok Sabha for the second time. His website says "Earlier to and even after his election as MP, Joshi has identified himself as a man-in-service-of-mankind. A member of the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), since his young age, Shri. Joshi got himself trained in various training camps of RSS." The BJP settling for Joshi is a clear indication that the party continues to bank heavily on north Karnataka to give it another term in office in the only southern state it has managed to come to power. Shettar was also chosen as chief minister in July last year as is not only from north Karnataka but also belongs to the politically dominant Lingayat community. He is also the first chief minister from the region in 20 years. Joshi is a Brahmin. The BJP's dependence on north Karnataka is understandable as in the last assembly polls in May 2008, the party had won 55 of the 90 seats at state in 11 districts in the region, which exactly half of the 110 seats the party had bagged. By giving two top posts - chief minister and state party president - to north Karnataka region, the BJP will now have to ensure that leaders from other regions, particularly the coastal Karnataka, are mollified as two from the area were also in the race. The two were former chief minister and former party chief D. V. Sadananda Gowda, who has of and on been publicly giving vent to his displeasure at the way the party is being run in the state, and Lok Sabha member Nalin Kumar Kateel.

Div Com inaugurates plantation drive in Govt. offices

SRINAGAR, MARCH 21: On the eve of World Arbour Day, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon accompanied by Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar and other concerned Officers today inaugurated plantation drive by planting a Chinar tree at Disaster Management Store at Bemina. He also planted Chinar saplings at Kashmir University Campus, Eidgah and other nine government institutions located in Bemina area. These institutions include Revenue Training Institute, District Institute of Education and Trainings, Jehlum Valley College, Srinagar Development Authority, State Motor Garages, State Board of School Education, Chief Town Planner and State Institute of Education. Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Commissioner stressed upon the concerned officers to ensure plantation at all available space in Government offices. He also directed Divisional Forest Officer, Urban Forestry Division Srinagar for proper installation of tree-guards. Dr. Samoon exhorted upon the University authorities to involve students in plantation drive and asked for plantation of indigenous plants which include Deodar.

Omar Govt discriminating....

of Jammu region. It is pertinent to mention that BJP legislators are boycotting the Assembly proceedings over Jugal Kishore Sharma's suspension by Speaker Mubark Gul for his alleged misbehavior with a State minister which the senior leader has vehemently denied. On his suspension, Sharma alleged that whosoever is raising the issue (of discrimination), is intentionally excluded from the Assembly proceedings.

Using 'Sahib' with ....

honorifics like 'Sahib' which are used to name saints, pious men and honourable persons of eminence and said that this was total-

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STATE

NEWS IN BOX
Speaker greets people on Nauroz
JAMMU, MARCH 21- The Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Media Mubarak Gul today greeted the people of the State especially Shia community on the auspicious occasion of Nauroz. In his felicitation message, the Speaker highlight the significance of March 21 as the World Arbor Day and emphasized the need to plant the maximum number of tress for preserving the environment. Media Gul hoped that the auspicious day would be the harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity of the State.

Schemes launched for strengthening socioeconomic status of weaker sections: Ramzan

KATHUA, MARCH 21: Minister for CA&PD and Transport, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan today said that the coalition government has launched various welfare schemes for downtrodden people of the state for strengthening their socioeconomic status. The Minister said this at a function organized by Lions Club Kathua Royal Kings, an International Organization here this morning with the aim to help the weaker section of the people and reward to those who contributed to upgrade the social service of the people of the district. The Minister asked the people to avail the benefits of these schemes as these are meant for their upliftment adding that upliftment of weaker section of the society is the priority of the Government and thrust is being made to reach its benefit to real beneficiaries at their door step. He said that social welfare and Rural development departments have already widen its network

Asks PR's to work for development of state

Hailing Lions Club contribution in Jammu province, The Minister said that they have to play bigger role for communal harmony, brotherhood at that time when everyone is hell-bent to divide the society on the basis's of religion, cast, community and region. He asked them to widen their network in far off areas of the state so that people every area are being benefited. Saying that setting up of Panchayat institutions in the state is a land mark decision of the Omar Abdulla's Government, The Minister directed the Panchayat Representatives (PR's) to play their role for the socio economic development of the state as people of their respective areas has reposed the trust on you for the same. He said that government have already empowered them for planning the developmental programme of their constituencies and asked them to

Orchardists flagged off for exposure visit to HP

SRINAGAR, MARCH 21: As many as 19 orchardists were flagged off for 7 days tour to Himachal Pradesh from March 21 to 27, 2013 under the Horticulture Mission on North East and Himalayan States from Srinagar Ganderbal districts here today. The farmers will be taken to various Research Institutes of Agriculture and Horticulture Universities during the programme. The Director Horticulture, Kashmir, Media Sonam Narboo flagged off the Orchardists. He wished a success tour of these orchardists. The Chief Horticulture Officer on the occasion said that the farmers are deputed to various Research Centre and other Institutions for exposure visit in order to improve the professional skill of orchardists. Media Z. A Bhat Subject matter specialist (Plant Pathology), Srinagar will accompany the orchardists.

Omar condemns killing of security personnel

JAMMU, MARCH 21: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has condemned the killing of a security personnel in Srinagar describing it an act of cowardice. In his message, the Chief Minister expressed his sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul. He also prayed for early recovery of the injured.

Minister for CA&PD and Transport, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan along with others distributing the Blankets, Swing Machines among the beneficiaries of different areas of the Kathua. across the state to cover all the habitations of rural and urban area to provide immediate succor to these people. Referring the contribution of NGO's towards the weaker section of the society, the Minister said that their contribution has a greater role for their upliftment. He said the Lions Club had worked hard for humanity, broth hood in past across the state and hoped they would work with same zeal in future also. He recalls the contribution of the Lions Club unit Srinagar in 80's and asked them to open fullfledged unit there to meet the aspirations of the weaker section who became the first victim of two decade long turmoil in valley.

Plantation drive starts by Director Horticulture Sgr

SRINAGAR, MARCH 21: On National Arbour Day, today a plantation drive has been started under the supervision of Director, Horticulture, Media Sonam Narboo. The drive begins with planting of high density apple plants by the Director at Horticulture Complex, Raj Bagh, Srinagar. The drive has started with the aim to protect the environment from pollution and to increase the production and productivity of fruits. Meanwhile, the District Development Commissioner, Bandipora, Media Manzoor Ahmad Lone also inaugurated the plantation drive by planting a tree at S.K. Sports Stadium, Bandipora. Plantation drive was also launched at all district headquarters where concerned Deputy Commissioners inaugurated the drive by planting saplings in the available space in Government offices.

work in this direction. Earlier the Minister distributes the Blankets, Swing Machines among the beneficiaries of different areas of the Kathua. He also distributed the mementos who contributed in society. Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Mrs Zhaida Khan, President Lions Club, Surjeet Singh Jammwal and Region Chairman Lion's Club, Media Vinaya Vig also spoke on the occasion. Later at Phalota village, the Minister addressed the public meeting and assured the people that the ration distribution in Jammu province are being stream lined and in this direction several steps have been taken already. He said every ration holder of the Jammu will get full quto besides 7 lter of K.oil and 700 gms of sugar. The Minister asked the PR's to monitor the public Distribution system in their respective areas and asked the people come forward with valuable suggestion for the improvement of the system.

Sham inspects renovation of Ranbir canal, directs officers to speed up pace

JAMMU, MARCH 21: To ensure that irrigation water reaches at the tail ends, the Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Media Sham Lal Sharma today conducted an extensive tour of R.S.Pura and Bishnah areas and inspected the on-going renovation and repair works on the main canal and its distributaries. MLA R.S. Pura, Prof. Gharu Ram Bhagat, MLA Bishnah, Media Ashwani Sharma, Chief Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control, Media K.K. Gupta, Chief Engineer, RTIC, Media V.K. Badyal, Executive Engineer, Media Kuldeep Magotra, SDM, R.S.Pura, Media Suraj Rakwal and other officers of the department accompanied the Minister. The Minister inspected the entire stretch of Ranbir canal and its distributaries right from Jeevan Nagar Jammu to

Bhalla dedicates common hall to orphan, mentally retarded children

'Announces Rs. 5 lakh for ambulance at SoS Home in Channi Rama' JAMMU, MARCH 21: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Media Raman Bhalla has called upon the people to share with the development of the state as they were the main stakeholders in the process. The Minister was interacting with the residents of Bahu Fort after launching development works in Pacca Talab Brahamna mohalla, here today. Media Bhalla said that Government was making all out efforts to provide better infrastructure and amenities to the people in every nook and corner of the State. He asked the people to extend their cooperation in implementing the decisions on the ground for better visible results. The Minister said that the Government was committed to provide all basic amenities to the people residing in periphery areas of the State, adding that various development projects have already been initiated to facilitate the public. Media Bhalla also directed the PHE and PDD functionaries to replace worn out water supply pipes and electricity wires with new ones before the start of upgradation work of lanes and
drains in the area. He asked the Urban Engineering Environment Department (UEED) to immediately start the modernization work of nallah at Skeikh Nagar, for which Government has earmarked Rs. 5 lakh. He said locals have faced lot of hardships during monsoon due to overflowing of nallahs into their houses. The Minister said that the main focus of the Government was to develop every corner of the state on modern lines, for which liberal funding is being provided by the central Government. Media Bhalla said the Government has approved various prestigious projects under Tourism Sector in Jammu region to boost lucrative tourism industry, adding that construction work on artificial lake was in full swing and would be completed in fixed time frame at an estimated cost of 110 crore. Other major projects like Peer Kho to Bahu Fort Ropeway (Gandola) would also be started soon at a cost of Rs 47 crore, he added. The Minister further said that Government has released Rs. 95.70 crore for construction of flyover from Bikram Chowk to Convent School, widening from Bikram Chowk to Satwari to 8 lane. He said the projects would be started soon for the convenience of the people.

DIC Conducts Multi-Lingual Mushiara & Cul Programme

POONCH, MARCH 21- A multi-lingual Mushiara and a colourful cultural programme was organised by District Information centre Poonch at Govt. Girls City Middle school Surankote. Renowned writer and an eminent educationist Mr Hissam-ud-Din Qureshi presided over the function. Prominent poets Mr Nazir Ahmed Qureshi, Mr M.N. Qureshi, Mr Mohammad Salim Qureshi, Hafiz Mohammad Hussain Faqr, Media Mehmood Tahir and Dr Amir Hussain Shad, recited their poems in urdu, Phari, Gojri and other languages touching various aspects of human life The poets appreciated efforts of Information department for providing a platform to the poets and promote literature A colourful cultural programme, Naats, solo songs were presented on the occasion.

Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Media Sham Lal Sharma inspecting the on-going renovation and repair works on the main canal. tail end points of R.S. Pura and Bishnah Tehsils. While expressing satisfaction over the progress, the Minister directed the engineers to speed up further the pace and complete the di-silting process so that the water is released in the canal at the earliest. He directed the officers to make judicious use of funds and maintain the quality of works. The Minister also inspected the PHE and Irrigation stations in the twin Tehsils and directed the concerned to ensure work culture and proper upkeep of Government assets. In view of the poor maintenance of PHE reservoir at village Kotla Camp (Krewa) falling under the jurisdiction of PHE Division, Samba, the Minister imposed a fine of Rs. 5000/- each on concerned Executive Engineer and Assistant Executive Engineer and called their explanation as well. En-route, the Minister also interacted with the locals and listened to their problems related to drinking water and irrigation faciliies.

Sericulture Deptt organises awareness camp at Ramban

RAMBAN, MARCH 21- MLA, Ramban Ashok Kumar inaugurated an awareness camp organised by the Department of Sericulture under ATMA at Ramban here today . Additional Director Sericulture Development Department Jammu Province Media M.L Chadgal briefed about the achievements made in Sericulture Sector. He disclosed that 602 M.T Silk Cocoon was produced in the province and farmers earned an amount of Rs.7 Crore 72 Lacs on account of sale of their Cocoons .He also brief about the various Centrally Sponsored Schemes implemented in the Province as well as in the District .It was also informed that during the Current year 720 Ounces of silkworm seed were distributed to 670 farmers in the District and about 9000 Kgs of Cocoons has been produced by the farmers and amount of Rs.7.00 lakhs has been earned by the farmers. Mr Ashok Kumar asled the farmers to avail the benefits of Sericulture Schemes and plant more and more Mulberry plants in their waste land to enhance their income. The cheques worth Rs.7.00 lacs were also distributed among the beneficiaries under various schemes. The Deputy Director Ramban Sh. Subash Gupta presented the vote of thanks on the occasion.

Director Estates reviews Darbar Move arrangements at Srinagar

SRINAGAR, MARCH 21: A meeting to review the arrangements for ensuing Darbar Move 2013 to Srinagar has been conducted by Director Estates, Media Mohammad Hussain Malik in the Civil Secretariat premises Srinagar today. The Director reviewed the work in progress for modernization of 04 halls in the Civil Secretariat and also inspected the additional blocks where the construction work is under process. The Director fixed time line for completion of all civil works, electrification and floriculture. He directed the JKPCC authorities to complete and hand over 1st and 2nd floor to Estates Department by May 01, 2013. Director Floriculture, General Managers of SRTC & JKTDC, Deputy Director Estates, Kashmir, Executive Engineer Estates Division Srinagar, Custodian Kashmir, Executive Engineer, PDD, Superintendent of Police Security, Civil Secretariat and FA/CAO Estates department were also present in the meeting. Contractors Association also met Director Estates and apprised him about their demands. Later, Director Estates along with a team of officers visited various Estates Colonies namely Budshah, Tulsi Bagh, Phase II, Jawahir Nagar, Dalgate and Hotel Lala Rukh Srinagar where Darbar Move employees are to be housed.

Centurion Parray passes away, death widely mourned

SRINAGAR, MARCH 21- Sonawar, the uptown quarter of Srinagar city, Thursday lost its oldest man, Muhammad Siddiq Parray, at the age of 106. Parray had lived through the times of two Dogra Maharajas, Pratap Singh and Hari Singh, and was a witness to a century of Kashmir's tumultuous political history. He has penned his yet to be published book in which he has depicted the political and social life of Kashmir during the last century. The end came peacefully at 5 A.M. at the Shivpora residence of his eldest son, Ghulam Qadir, when his children, grand children and great-grand children were on his bedside. Born in March 1907, Parray had served in the revenue department of Kashmir where he wielded influence and respect as a trusted PRO to the Financial Commissioner. He retired in 1963 as the Office Superintendent of the Revenue Training College. Parray was known for his humility, helpful attitude, good manners and sense of dress and lived an active retired life for half a century. His death has been widely mourned. He is survived by six sons and three daughters, five of whom are settled in the United States where he himself spent many years. His body was laid to rest at the Gupkar Graveyard near Kashmir Nursing Home at Sonawar.

Sadhotra Exhorts to imbibe spirit of love and compassion

JAMMU, MARCH 21: Minister for Planning and Development, Labor and Employment, Media Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today Paid Rich tributes to Guru Ravi Dass ji on his 636 Parkash Utsav, saying the preaching's of great saints has a good impact during present times when the society is ridden with hatred and intolerance. Paying obeisance to Guru Ravi Dassji in the premises of Shri Guru Ravi Das Convent School at Jaswan, the Minister called upon the people to work for imbibing and disseminating the message of love and peace for making the world better place to live in. He said Gurus stood for justice,

Minister for Planning and Development, Labor and Employment, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra addressing a public gathering on 636 Parkash Utsav at Jammu. equality and peace and called for making these cherished principles as way of life. Mr Sadhotra exhorted upon the people to imbibe the spirit of selflessness and rightness, preached by our great saints and Sufis for building a health and harmonious society. Referring to revolutionary land reforms of visionary Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in the State ,he said this was a great visionary looking measure in 50`s when he gave slogan that "land must go to the tiller" and the tillers with one stroke were made land owners within night. This initiative was emulated by many other states of the country, he said. Media Sadhotra said that National Conference is carrying forward this great legacy of Sher-e-Kashmir to ensure that all segments of the society irrespective of cast, creed and colour get equal opportunities of progress. He said that great leader strived for social justice and equality in the society for its overall growth. On the occasion, Shri Shri 108 swami Gurdeep Giri ji maharaj of Dera swami Jagat Giri Pathankot was present. All J&K Guru Ravi Das ji Sabha President Sh. Vijay Lochan, Rtd Principal G.L. Thapa Jaswan Sarpanch, Sh. Nariender Singh Trustee Dera Purshotam Thappa and various senior citizens were also present.

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STUDENT AGE FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

STATE

National Seminar on Declining Sex-Ratio in North -West India held at Jammu University
Special steps underway to strengthen, upgrade health care institutions in J&K: Shabir
JAMMU, MARCH 21: Minister of State for Health, Mr Shabir Ahmed Khan today said that no doubt a lot of improvement has taken in providing better health care to common people of the State but still special efforts are being made by the Government to further strengthen and upgrade the health care Institutions. He said that there has been a lot of improvement in terms of infrastructure, machinery equipments, manpower etc which helped in rejuvenating the healthcare system and resorting faith of the public in the system. However, he expressed concern about the decline sex ratio in the state. The Minister was addressing at a valedictory function organised in connection with "National Seminar on being implemented in letter and spirit on the ground. He said under which there is total prohibition on sex-selective before or after concemediaon. The Minister said that unless and until the members of the Civil Society, Senior Citizens especially women would not come forward and co-operate with Government in implementing law, it is not possible for the Government alone to die-down this heinous crime in the society. He said that the problem of declining sex ratio is a social problem. He also stressed for empowerment of women and providing them better education. He said Government has already banned Practice of sex determination and a number of illegal Ultrasound Centres have been sealed in the State. He said that prize money for giving information about such sex determination clinics have been raised from Rs 25000 to Rs.50000. The Minister further said that Government has also involved religious leaders, Ulmas and senior citizens to aware the common people about the negative impact of sex declining ratio in the society. However, he reminded the audiences, that during the monthly meeting with all the Chief Medical Officers about the latest figures of deliveries and other facilities being provided to the common people, the Minister said the feedback from the ground is positive and hoped that the functionaries would work with same zeal and dedication in future also.

Central team discusses J&K developmental issues with State officers

Pr. Secy PM leads Central team, CS State team
NEW DELHI, MARCH 21: To discuss various developmental issues of Jammu and Kashmir, a meeting was held here today chaired by Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, Pulok Chatterji with the Chief Secretary J&K, Mohammad Iqbal Khanday who was accompanied by Principal Secretary Planning, B. R. Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Principal Secretary Power, Arun Kumar Mehta and other senior officers. The Central Team also included the Home Secretary, R. K. Singh and other Secretaries and officers of various Ministries. During the meeting, several issues were considered including extension of PMRP upto 2014-2015, subsidizing of air fare by Ministry of Home Affairs for SrinagarKargil-Srinagar and JammuKargil-Jammu routes to make the flights commercially viable, setting up of three small airports at Rajouri, Kishtwar and Poonch by Civil Aviation Ministry in consultation with full funding from the Union Tourism Ministry. The cost escalation of Rs.190 Crore in respect of T&D projects under PMRP was also agreed in principle. The meeting was told that State Government will move a proposal for waving the idle power purchase cost of Nemo-Bazgo and Chhutak HEPs constructed by NHPC. The meeting was informed that out of the 50 tourist villages, 29 villages have been completed and remaining 21 Tourist villages will be approved in 2013-14 and the solar dryer projects in Ladakh region will be funded on 50% subsidy basis under the Food Processing Mission. It was stated that State Govt. will expedite the manufacture of Carpet looms to achieve the target of 40,000 looms and the State Government will move the proposal for 50:50 funding of the recurring cost of NIFT. The Central Team will visit the state to explore the possibility of starting the NIFT courses this year in a rented accommodation to be facilitated by the State Government. It was also decided that work permission will be given immediately for expansion of Jammu Airport. Commissioner Secretary R&B, Ms. Tanvir Jehan, Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Atul Dullo, CEO ERA, Saurabh Bhagat and Vice Chairman LAWDA, Irfan Yaseen were also present in the meeting.

Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmed Khan presenting cerificate to the participant during "National Seminar on Declining SexRatio in North -West India. Declining Sex-Ratio in North -West India by Department of Sociology, University of Jammu in collaboration with Centre for Women's studies, University of Jammu, sponsored by ICSSR, North Western Regional CentreChandigarh, Jammu University. Media Khan said that Jammu and Kashmir Government have already taken various steps to curb this menace and in this connection adding that PC & PNDT Act 2002 is already vogue in the state and is

Says third party monitoring mechanism to be made more effective

SRINAGAR, MARCH 21The Minister for Forests, Environment, Ecology and Wildlife, Mian Altaf has said that constant vigil and the initiatives taken by the forest department during past four years has yielded encouraging results and the timber smuggling activities have almost completely been stopped in the State. Seeking public cooperation in protection of forests and participation in taking forward the afforestration drive started across the State, the Minister said that equipping forest protection force personnel with fire arms will force timber smugglers to abstain from such illegal activities. The Minister was addressing at a function organized by the Forests Department at Forest Protection Force HQrs, Hardu, Panzoo Arizal in Budgam district today. The Minister said that in the first phase certain critical areas like Pir Panchal, Shopian and Jammu forest divisions would be equipped with arms to combat effec-

Mian Altaf Kick Starts plantation drive, FPF armoury Taj inaugurates Colour Doppler unit at GMC
Says infrastructure being strengthened to increase seats
JAMMU, MARCH 21: Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services and Sports, Mr Taj Mohi ud din today said that the Government is strengthening the infrastructure at the two medical colleges of Srinagar and Jammu to increase the number of seats at undergraduate level. He said this while inaugurating the Mammography and Colour Doppler section at the GMC Jammu here today. The Minister said the Government is giving a relook at the infrastructure at the two medical colleges as it is a pre requisite for of Forest Department were present on the occasion. Earlier, the Minister visited the CRPF, RTC Humhama and kick started plantation drive being launched by the Social Forestry Department. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that "it is our obligation to preserve greenery, protect tree belts and go for large scale plantation on all wastelands and areas available around our houses, road sides canal banks, schools and other places and institutions". He asked the officers of Forest Department to organize awareness camps to ensure maximum participation of the people in the plantation drive. He said involving print and electronic media in this programme would help to generate awareness among the mass at a large scale. The Minister asked the officers of forest department to achieve the target of plantation fixed for current season, adding a third party monitoring mechanism would be made more effective to check the achievements on ground level.

Minister for Forests, Environment, Ecology and Wildlife, Mian Altaf along with others during plantation drive at Srinagar. tively the timber smugglers and encroachers. He said Chief Minister was keen to see this transformation in real sense by way of making Forest Protection Force more vibrant and a powerful wing of the department. Mian Altaf said that government intends to complete arming of the Forest Protection Force (FPF) in the State in a phased manner. He said equipping Forest Protection Force (FPF) was aimed to enhance the operational capabilities of FP force and will go a long way in protecting the forest wealth of the State. The Minister launched plantation drive by planting sapling of Deodar in the premises of FPF Hqrs to mark the 38th World Arbor Day. The Minister also inaugurated the armoury of the FPF Gamma Unit Budgam and formally issued weapons to the FPF inspectors and guards. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Media Vinod Ranjan, Director FPF, J&K, Media Shafiq Khan, Chief Conservator Forests, Kashmir, Media Manzoor Ahmed and Joint Director FPF Kashmir, Mian Javed besides other senior officers

Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services and Sports, Mr Taj Mohi ud din inaugurating the Mammography and Colour Doppler section at the GMC Jammu. increasing the number of seats. He said the Government would approach the Medical Council of India for giving its nod to increase in the intake capacity of students. But, he said, before that necessary infrastructure up gradation would be made at these two colleges as mandated by MCI norms.

Governance to people at doorsteps ensured: Vikar

JAMMU, MARCH 21Minister of State for Technical Education, Social Welfare and Rural Development Department, Media Vikar Rasool today said that the government is committed to provide governance to the people of the rural and far-flung areas at their doorstep besides ensuring sustained and need based development. The Minister was addressing a grievance redressal meeting at Bhamag Top (Reasi). MLC, Media Jugal Kishore Sharma and other senior officers of the District Administration, various departments and Panches and Sarpanches from Thoad, Sari, Devigarh, Laada, Kasote and adjoined areas were present on the occasion. The Minister while directing the officers to ensure that the benefit of various welfare programmes undertaken by the Government should percolate to the targeted populace so that they get the requisite benefit from these appealed the people to come forward and avail the requisite benefits, besides giving an adequate feedback about the status of various schemes. Media Vikar also directed the panches and sarpanches present on the occasion to work in complete coordination with each other and also with the officers of different departments, so that the need based and sustained development of their respective areas is ensured.

Deputations call on R&B Minister

JAMMU, MARCH 21Minister for R&B Abdul Majid Wani has cautioned contractors against delinquency and delay in executing and completing road projects, asking them to start works on time, maintain agreed standards and complete projects within the stipulated time frame. The Minister was speaking to group of Deputations from Jammu and adjoining areas including those from, Gandhinagar, Bhathindi, Sagarri Mohala, Malik market, Kharra, Chattaa, Sandhii and other areas. Minister for Horticulture, Housing and Culture, Raman Bhalla, Chief Engineer R&B Tahseen Mustafa and other officers were also present on the occasion. The Deputations highlighted several issues pertaining to their areas and presented memorandum of demands to the R&B Minister for his consideration. They also expressed concern over complacent approach shown by some contractors in executing projects. Responding to the demands, Media Wani assured Deputations that their genuine demands will be given due consideration and these will be taken up in due course of time. He said that several schemes are under execution in Gandhinagar, Bhathindi and adjoining areas to improve the road infrastructure. Mr Wani said that 3 schemes under NABARD and one Scheme under PMGSY phase 8th are under execution in Bathindi area adding that drainage works on Bhathindi and Trikuta nagar Nallah are also being executed. Regarding, taking up several link roads for up gradation and connecting isolated habitations, the Minister said that left out habitations will be brought under the PMGSY core area network and work on these roads will be taken soon. He directed Chief Engineer to examine the status of ChattaaSandhiiShumbri and adjoining link roads and take up their up gradation works under NABARD.

Governor discusses measures to give fillip to Red Cross activities

JAMMU, MARCH 21 Media N. N. Vohra, Governor, has emphasized the need for intensifying the Red Cross activities across the State and extending their ambit to the Ladakh region and other far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The Governor, who is President of the Indian Red Cross Society, J&K State Branch, discussed with Ms. Roma Wani, Honorary General Secretary, J&K State Branch of the Indian Red Cross Society, who called on him at Raj Bhavan here today, various measures which are required to give a greater fillip to the Red Cross activities in the State, particularly in the remote areas, for providing support and succour to the needy. The Governor suggested to Ms. Wani to draw up a calendar of year long activities of the Red Cross by involving districts as focal points to have a much larger number of people working for this noble cause. He also stressed the need of enlarging the resource base to boost Red Cross activities and suggested approaching corporate and business houses, philanthropic organizations and the public at large to contribute generously towards Red Cross to progressively expand the activities of this organization. The Governor underscored the need for focusing on imparting training in first aid, particularly to the workforce working in industries and other sectors so that they supplement the efforts to provide succour to the needy in the case of any calamity.

Ensure maximum benefit of dev and welfare schemes to the people: Sagar
SRINAGAR, MARCH 21: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar today exhorted upon officers to ensure maximum benefit of developmental and welfare schemes launched by government to the people and perform duties with full zeal, enthusiasm and sense of responsibility. Media Sagar said that government is committed for the welfare and prosperity of the people besides accomplishing their better economic status This was stated by the Minister while addressing a meeting of officers convened to assess the functioning of various developmental works being executed in Srinagar

3 bridges being constructed in Miskeen bagh area soon

Rainawari and other adjoining areas of the vicinity. Media Sagar during the visit said that in Miskeen Bagh area work of four bridges has been taken in hand and construction work on three bridges being constructed on an estimated cost of Rs 29 lakhs will be started soon. During his tour, several deputations of these areas put forth their demands before the Minister pertaining to day to day concerns. The Minister gave patient hearing to the deputationists and assured them that their genuine demands would be taken up with the concerned authorities for early redres-

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar addressing a meeting of officers at Srinagar. city. Media Sagar asked about the works being executed at Syed Merak Shah Road besides beautification and renovation work of Khankahi Mohallah. He urged upon the officers to speed up the pace of work and complete the tasks within stipulated time. Meanwhile, Media Sagar conducted an extensive tour of Srinagar city and took stock of the pace of developmental works being executed in the city. During the tour, the Minister visited various areas including Miskeen Bagh, Daulatabad, Mirza Bagh, Mughal Mohalla, Raieteng,

sal. On the occasion, The Minister asked people to extend their cooperation for maintaining peace in the valley which is pre-requisite for the development and prosperity of the State adding that people's cooperation is vital in this regard. He also gave on spot directions to concerned authorities to expedite the works being executed for the drainage and sewerage system in the area besides maintaining cleanliness so that people can be benefitted. Media Sagar also made announcement of construction of Public Park in the area for which he directed concerned agencies to prepare necessary report.

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STUDENT AGE FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

EDITORIAL

Shrine Board for pilgrim shrines

t is heartening that the government has taken steps in right direction by deciding to constitute Shrine Boards for the two famous shrines of Mata Sukrala Devi and Shri Mata Bala Sundri. Both these shrines fall in Kathu district which is gateway to the State of Jammu and Kashmir. It was the demand of the people of the region to constitute the Shrine Boards for these two important shrines dedicated to the aspects of the Shakti. Since times immemorial the State has been the centre of Shakti worship. The most famous philosopher of India, Acharya Shankar, experienced a change in his heart when he had a discourse with Kashmirian scholars in the ancient Sharda Peeth which he visited in the eight century ACE. He understood that it was the principle of Shakti that drove this universe and he accordingly wrote the famous hymn Saundriya Lahiri dedicated to the Mother Goddess. With such a great backdrop the Shakti Centres of Jammu deserve more attention when it comes to their upkeep. It was the momentous decision of the then Governor of the State Jagmohan who constituted the Mata Vaishnao Devi Shrine Board in eighties of the last century. This step proved a Goddess send boon for the development of this famous shrine. Today, when we look back and muse over the distance Mata Vaishnao Devi pilgrimage has travelled with respect to its development our hearts swell with pride. The constitution of a shrine board for this shrine made revolutionary changes in the facilities as well as other infrastructure development at Katra the base camp and at the Bhavan itself. This is the result of the steps taken by the Shrine Board that now more than ten million pilgrims visit the shrine every year without any problems. Similarly the constitution of Shrine Board for Shiv khori has changed this cave shrine inside out. No doubt about seven lakh pilgrims from all parts of the world visit the Shiv Khori and the number will increase as the facilities and other requisite infrastructure is put in place. Similarly the Shrine Boards for Mata Sukrala and Mata Bala Sundri will definitely lift the travel feasibility of these two beautiful shrines to another level. Besides, the constitution of Shrine Boards will help reduce the un-employment in this backward area. There is similar demand for a Shrine Board for Bawe Mata ensconced in the perimeter of historical Bahu Fort. The Bawe Wale Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu city hence her temple too deserves a Shrine Board. Pilgrims in lakhs frequent this temple so in order to enhance its infrastructure it is worthwhile that the government thinks seriously on the constitution of a Shrine Board for Bawe Wale Mata.

As times change, the dragon gets friendly

By Gautam Mukherjee eijing's exports to the West are not what they used to be; Africa still can't pay it in currency; West Asia prefers to barter for oil, and client states such as Pakistan and those in the Asia Pacific can't fill its coffers. India is now the largest buyer of conventional weapons in the world, practically all of it on an imported basis, routine corruption scams notwithstanding. We are buying to modernise our Armed Forces, because we face two threats in our theatre, from Pakistan, a perennial problem, and much more powerful China, a more mysterious rival for domination of the region, even a counterbalance to the present world order. Our own arms industry remains at, or near, the starting gate, despite frequent professions of intent from the Government in general and the present Union Minister for Defence AK Antony in particular. Meanwhile, China makes its own nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. Mr Antony, an abject Gandhi loyalist, whom some say could be considered for the post of Prime Minister if UPA forms the Government yet again, is sometimes called, without apparent irony, 'Saint Anthony', for being, it is said, reasonably incorruptible. But despite his unquestioning loyalty to the Congress high command, from which he draws his power and stability, he has succeeded in doing absolutely nothing to kick-start our own arms industry in the private sector, let alone brings it up to speed. Possibly because arms deals are amongst the biggest sources of perks for our rulers and their henchmen. China meanwhile has just displaced the UK as the fifth biggest arms exporter in the world, and this is principally on the back of its exports to Pakistan, which accounts

China meanwhile has just displaced the UK as the fifth biggest arms exporter in the world, and this is principally on the back of its exports to Pakistan, which accounts for a fulsome 55 per cent of all Chinese arms exports. The shrinking of British stature is not surprising and of a piece with its loss of influence globally, but the sophistication and range of the Chinese armaments industry is impressive for an essentially home-grown programme. Whether Pakistan pays for these Chinese armaments in hard currency, or even on the nail, is another matter. But China knows how to extract its pound of flesh from its client state and proxy India baiter anyway. Besides it makes Pakistan hopelessly beholden, particularly with the US in the process of pulling out of Afghanistan. China's inroads into Baluchistan, into a warm-water port on the Arabian Sea bordering the Gulf, into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the upper reaches of the Hindu Kush, and even into Afghanistan, with Pakistani good offices preceding, is a form of payment too. There is also the diplomatic dividend of a tight alliance with the only Muslim nuclear state at present.
for a fulsome 55 per cent of all Chinese arms exports. The shrinking of British stature is not surprising and of a piece with its loss of influence globally, but the sophistication and range of the Chinese armaments industry is impressive for an essentially home-grown programme. Whether Pakistan pays for these Chinese armaments in hard currency, or even on the nail, is another matter. But China knows how to extract its pound of flesh from its client state and proxy India baiter anyway. Besides it makes Pakistan hopelessly beholden, particularly with the US in the process of pulling out of Afghanistan. China's inroads into Baluchistan, into a warm-water port on the Arabian Sea bordering the Gulf, into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the upper reaches of the Hindu Kush, and even into Afghanistan, with Pakistani good offices preceding, is a form of payment too. There is also the diplomatic dividend of a tight alliance with the only Muslim nuclear state at present. Having said that, China does have its own future to think of, which calls for thinking on a much bigger scale, and out-of-the box enough to realise what worked in the 20th century will not suffice in the 21st. In fact, this is evident already even as we are only in the second decade of the new century. Quantum exports to the EU and the US are not what they used to be for China, and unlikely to pick up anytime soon. There is only feeble current growth, and a massive overhang of debt that threatens to collapse many of the constituent economies of the EU. The old borrow-and-spend model is largely discredited and is being pursued with near zero interest rates and easy monetary liquidity only to prevent seizure from sudden withdrawal. All of this applies also to the US with the proviso that it is very much bigger as an economy and more likely to be able to right itself. Africa too cannot pay China enough in currency terms, but can, and does, hand over large tracts of natural resources that can be developed on very favourable terms. But that too costs massive money and China must provide for the infrastructure development before it can cash in. The Iranians and other bits and pieces of the Middle East such as Syria, parts of Libya and Egypt and some of the 'Jasmine' states leaning towards a radical Muslim hue, essentially hostile to the West, can buy Chinese goods and armaments. But these are largely barter deals. Most of it is in exchange for oil, but their populations, and consequently their appetites, are not too large. So, the balance of trade suffers in any case. Asia and the Pacific region is fragmented, overfished by too many vendors, and that really leaves only India. The brand new leadership in China, Li Keqiang just now, and Xi Jinping a little earlier, realise that they need to ramp up the commercial engagement with India which has a vast market of young people and huge pent-up demand for very many things China is good at. And this means real confidence building measures with a country that feels inferior after the 1962 licking and ever since. But yet, we could certainly use Chinese collaboration in many areas. Take for example our quaint railway system, fit only for a remake of

Tight Fiscal Position

ith expenditures virtually out pacing the income on the country's balance sheet and a more than five percent fiscal deficit the financial health is not as sound when UPA 2 took over. The rising bills on account of rising fuel bill and a lean year on the food production front it is natural that the government should have gone in for a consolidated budget in order to control runaway fiscal deficit ratio to GDP. The sagging exports and India becoming a weak spot for international finance institutions and FDI it was in line with expectations, the Reserve Bank of India in its mid-quarter policy review announced recently to reduce the repo rate by 0.25 percentage points to 7.5 per cent. On strict monetary grounds the case for a rate cut might not have been so obvious. However, in its first policy statement after the budget, the RBI would have found it difficult to resist pressures and not so subtle hints including from the Finance Minister himself. The budget had stressed fiscal consolidation, which the RBI has been asking for, as an essential complement to the anti-inflation stance of its monetary policy. So irrespective of whether the revised fiscal road map - which among other signposts calls for the ratio of gross fiscal deficit to GDP to decline to 4.8 per cent in 2013-14 - can in fact be reached, the RBI was forced to act. However, even without the government's prompts, the RBI has not ignored growth concerns. Recent policy statements have, in fact, shifted the RBI's focus away from inflation towards growth. As so often in the past, the mid-quarter review explains the cause for balancing monetary policy regarding the confusing and contradictory claims of growth and inflation. Growth has decelerated significantly. In the third quarter of the current year, GDP growth at 4.5 per cent was the weakest in 15 quarters. Particularly worrying has been the decade-low growth in the services sector. Industrial output has turned positive in January but significant weaknesses in capital goods production and mining activity remain. Initial estimates of the kharif crop indicate a lower level of food grains production compared to last year. If these suggest an easier monetary policy, the messages from the inflation front are not so clear-cut. While WPI inflation has edged up to 6.8 per cent in February from 6.6 in January, the other widely relied upon inflation index relating to core inflation - non-food manufactured inflation - has been coming down. Food inflation has remained worryingly high. Persistently high food prices have a negative impact on inflation expectations. They also explain the growing wedge between wholesale and retail inflation. Inflation is expected to remain at around the current levels during 2013-14. A competitive interest rate is necessary for reviving investment, but it needs to be backed by other measures such as easing supply constraints, staying the course on fiscal consolidation and emphasising quality governance. The finance managers of the country have to trudge the path cautiously and with a weak government at the centre it is unlikely that any stringent measures to boost financial stability in the country.

Jewel in the Crown or Richard Attenborough Gandhi. There is nothing remotely up-to-date about the Indian Railways even though it is ostensibly large enough to warrant (debatable) a separate Budget presentation every year. Our infrastructure takes forever to build, and the Chinese by contrast are experts at executing mega projects in record time. For India, it is important not to feel militarily threatened. We have been witnessing an encirclement via our South Asian neighbours Nepal, Sri Lanka, the unreliable and forever delinquent Pakistan, even Myanmar and Bangladesh - but it is starting to dawn on the Chinese that this policy is not serving them very well. All these client states cannot fill Chinese coffers. They need China much more than China needs them. But India could enrich China, as it can all the countries of the West currently down on their luck. This can become the basis of a very different kind of entente cordiale between the two Asian giants that account for nearly half the population of the world. It is no wonder then that President Xi is looking forward to meeting our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the side-lines of the forthcoming BRICS Summit in Durban next week. This is also why President Xi and Premier Li, both representing a change of the power guard in China, have been signalling a desire to boost bilateral ties with India, which they call one of the "most important". It will take us Indians a long overture to trust the Chinese, because we have been there before in the Panchsheel days, only to be roundly thrashed by Chou En Lai and Mao. Besides, proxy Pakistan is in no mood to pipe down. And yet, the future demands a rapprochement that can benefit both countries much more than the present state of wariness.

Light up path for rural progress

By Kota Sriraj ff-grid renewable energy is the future, and village communities are increasingly charting the way forward and assuming lead over cities, which are consuming alarming proportions of fossil fuel-derived energy. About 75 million of India's 226 million households (400 million people) have no access to power. In rural areas the electrification rate is 47.5 per cent. This has an adverse cascading effect on human health, economic development and political stability. The efforts towards ensuring equitable growth and securing the marginalised are also compromised. The way out can be decentralised energy solutions that rely on the progressive renewable energy alternatives. Clean energy generation for rural areas is gaining ground with biomass-powered energy, community solar power plants, methane

and wind-powered energy alternatives. The availability of locally generated renewable energy has the potential of fostering confidence in the local community and help achieve growth in sustainable livelihoods. Agro-based industries can derive energy services from biomass powered 100 KW gasifiers that have the capability of delivering affordable electricity for various agro-based activities. Currently the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India in collaboration with Development Alternatives is working on the socio-economic feasibility and sustainability of biomass-based renewable energy technologies. The project in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, powers 87 households and treats people as primary stakeholders and therefore functions on build-ownoperate-transfer basis. This is helping the community to understand the economics,

operational and maintenance issues of the facility. Under the project and, with the aid of the Department of Science and Technology, a village load survey is conducted and appropriate technology is sourced and installed. This is followed by the appointment of a Village Energy Committee that operates and manages the biomass gasifier. The recorded socio-economic impact for the renewable energy project at Shivpuri has been interesting. Over 25 acres of land is being irrigated with the help of six irrigation pumps powered by the biomass gasifier. This has enhanced the agricultural productivity and enabled multiple cropping. However the biomass gasifier has its drawbacks. First, in terms of output, getting the producer gas is not difficult, but obtaining it in the proper state is the challenging task. The physical and chemical properties of producer gas such as energy content, gas composition and

impurities vary from time to time. All the gasifiers have fairly strict requirements for fuel size, moisture and ash content. Inadequate fuel preparation is an important cause of technical problems with gasifiers. Second, technology-wise, be it up-draft fixed bed gasifiers or down-draft fixed bed gasifiers, drawbacks exist in form of high amounts of ash and dust particles that remain in the gas as it has to pass the oxidation zone, where it collects small ash particles.The research and development in biomassdriven energy will have to obliterate the above problems in order to gain a wider acceptance besides generating higher and efficient output from the gasifiers. Comparatively, renewable energy options such as community solar power plants are cleaner, efficient and easy to operate. The setting up of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, with the objective

of positioning India as a global leader in solar energy through suitable policies and implementation, shows the Government's intent to encourage establishment of community solar power plants. In 2011 the Gujarat Government set a national example by inaugurating Asia's biggest solar power plant in Banaskantha district. The 30 MW plant set up at a cost of Rs 465 crore investment provides power to 50,000 rural families. The community solar power plants can power up to a 100 households, depending upon the capacity of the power plant and have the capability to have three days of autonomy (days without sun). Solar panels have inherent benefits as they can withstand the hardy rural environment, require low maintenance and can last up to 30 years. However the main problems with solar panels are the high capital cost (as well

as installation cost), the need of a battery, which has to be replaced every four to five years thus increasing operating costs, and the fact that they cannot be produced locally and that spares are expensive. Worldwide rapid developments are pushing the envelope on newer and better ideas of implementing solar power projects. For instance, in Davis, California, United States, residents can purchase plots in the outskirts of their town that come fitted with solar panels and the owners of the plots can use the energy generated on the plot. This model is directly relevant to rural India and can be implemented by involving the local communities. Off-grid renewable energy is the future, and rural communities are increasingly charting the way forward and assuming lead over cities, which are consuming alarming proportions of fossil fuel-derived energy.

DMK's blackmail politics

Dear Sir Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's withdrawal of support to the UPA government is no doubt an act of arm-twisting and politics of opportunism. The DMK's move could have been appreciated had it pulled out of the UPA government on an issue concerning Tamils of our country. What is the point in destabilising the Centre on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue? Is the pullout a ploy to extract more from a government that is drifting like a rudderless ship with only regional parties like the SP and the BSP to help it stay afloat? Besides,passing a resolution in Parliament against another nation is a sure way of inviting similar retribution, in a much greater degree. China may pass a resolution claiming Arunachal Pradesh, and Pakistan, claiming J&K.

National interest needs to be viewed in the long-term interests of larger India, not short-term gains of a particular party or with a view to staying in power. Yours Etc. Suresh Chauhan Bhaderwah

Dilapidated road conditions

Dear Sir The dilapidated conditions of the roads in Kishtwar or somewhere else in Jammu and Kashmir appears to be an everyday affair. This phenomenon is not only hampering the communication network for the people but also adversely affecting economic activities of the common masses in the hinterland from where their produce is transported to urban centres for earning money. Even during the past few weeks, the number of accidents

due to bad road conditions has been on the higher sides. A large number of precious lives are lost and several injured in accident for no fault of the innocent citizens. The commuting is also badly affected due to dilapidated road conditions. In cities also, potholes and dug up roads for various reason are posing a threat to the lives of the people. Road repairs and their maintenance are already scandalous in J&K where these contracts are bagged by the politically influential people and ill maintained roads are risky affairs for all citizens and motorists. It is unfortunate that the authorities have refused to wake from its deep slumber and com to the rescue of the people, who contribute to the state exchequer from their hard-earned money for this purpose. But sadly, majority of the funds go down the drain cue to acute corruption in J&K which tops the list of most-corrupt states of the country. Yours etc. Tsering Nurboo Leh (Ladakh)

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NATIONAL

Hundreds arrested for blocking Hyderabad-Bangalore highway

HYDERABAD: Police arrested hundreds of pro-Telangana protestors for blocking traffic on the Hyderabad-Bangalore national highway in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday. Over 1,000 protestors were arrested on the outskirts of Hyderabad and neighbouring Mahabubnagar district. Defying ban orders, Telangana supporters came out on the road at several places to enforce a 24-hour-long blockade to demand a separate Telengana state. The traffic between Kurnool and Hyderabad was badly hit in the morning. The police later cleared the highway by taking activists of various political parties and their leaders into custody. Normalcy was restored in the afternoon and the state-owned Andhra Pradsh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) resumed its bus services. Police arrested leaders of various political parties who squatted on the highway in response to 'Sadak Bandh' called by Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) to urge the central government to immediately carve out a Telangana state. JAC convenor M Kodandaram, Te la ng an a Rashtra Samithi (TRS) legislators K Ta r a k a r a m a Rao, E Rajender and Harishwar Reddy were among dozens of leaders arrested by the police for staging protests on the highway despite police not giving permission for the same. Tension prevailed at Alampur, Annaram and Jadcherla in Mahabubnagar district as protestors damaged few trucks and buses following the arrests of their leaders, police said. Those arrested include leaders of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The protestors came out on the Earlier, hundreds of vehicles were stranded at Alampur, about 160 km from Hyderabad, as, raising slogans of "Jai Telangana", the activists of JAC and TRS stopped the traffic. A senior police officer said 700 people have been arrested in Mahabubnagar district since Thursday morning. Over 6,000 policemen were deployed on the highway. Prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more persons were also imposed. Mahabubnagar Superintendent of Police Nagender Kumar said 13 members of the state assembly and two members of council were among those arrested. He said action would be taken against those found involved in attacks on vehicles. JAC convenor Kodandaram condemned the arrests and said he and other leaders would continue their protests in various police stations. He accused the government of suppressing a peaceful and democratic protest to demand Telangana state. He claimed that the protest was successful. The TRS and BJP also staged road blockades at Shamshabad on the outskirts of Hyderabad. TRS leader Harish Rao and Swami Goud were among 400 people arrested by the police. The protestors, including women, cooked food and staged cultural programmes on the road. Police also arrested 400 BJP activists including senior leader Vidyasagar Rao at Shamshabad for staging a road blockade. At the Osmania University in Hyderabad, police stopped students trying to take out a rally in support of 'Sadak Bandh'. The leaders of BJP, CPI and main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) raised the issue of arrests in the State Assembly.

India needs more news agencies, says Manish Tewari

NEW DELHI: Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari Thursday called for setting up more news wire agencies in the country. Addressing the 52nd anniversary celebrations of United News of India here, the minister said that taking into account the potential of the growing media sector and the flow of information in the news segment, there existed a case for setting up more wire news agencies in the country. "The potential was tremendous as these agencies facilitated information flow at the sub-regional, regional and national level," he said. The increase in number of news agencies would not only enable local news to be highlighted at the national level, it would also enable such agencies to balance news dissemination at the national and local level, he added. "Taking into account the diversity of information dissemination, such mecha-

highway with bullock carts to stop the vehicular traffic. Police had a tough time in controlling them as they squatted on the highway at several points. Students and lawyers also joined the protests, focusing on Mahabubnagar district to stop vehicles entering Telangana coming from Kurnool district, which is a part of the Rayalaseema region.

India needs excellence in higher education: President

SONEPAT :President Pranab Mukherjee Thursday called for concrete steps to create a "culture of excellence" in higher education. The president made the observation while inaugurating a three-day Conference on "The Future of Indian Universities" organised by the O.P. Jindal Global University here. Mukherjee expressed deep concern about the staggering percentage of vacancies in central universities. He called for qualitative improvements in the education "to make it as good as the best in the world". "We cannot improve quality of education without improving quality of teaching," he added. The president urged the human resource development ministry and other bodies to work out a common approach towards improving quality, affordability and accessibility in the higher education policy.

Jaitley accuses PM of 'blatantly interfering' in CBI functioning

NEW DELHI: BJP leader Arun Jaitley on Thursday accused Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of "blatantly interfering" in CBI's functioning and "crippling" it from carrying on its routine inv estig atio ns for "stopping" CBI searches at the residence of DMK leader MK Stalin's residence in Chennai. "Merely because it has a political fallout, it is improper for any Prime Minister or a Finance Minister to so blatantly interfere in the functioning of CBI and cripple it from carrying on its routine investigations," Jaitley said. The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said if the CBI was carrying out its search in the normal course of investigation, then it should have been allowed to carry out the exercise at Stalin's residence. and have a "search stopped". He said the CBI carries out searches on many people but the Prime Minister has never condemned them. Hitting out at the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister for condemning the search, Jaitley said "They can't condemn a search because it is the job of CBI in connection with their investigation to search premises." He said if the government was not in the know of CBI search in Chennai, then the government had no power to stop it and if it was in the know of the search, "then the government will have to answer" the action as it is initiated two days after DMK withdrew support to UPA.

nisms would enable local issues being highlighted as prominently as those at the national level," the minister said. Elaborating, Tewari said that there was an urgent need to outline "sustainable revenue models". Quoting the instance of the digitization process of cable television, the minister said it was an attempt to bring about transparency and a long-term sustainable process in the broadcasting sector which would help all stakeholders. "The revenue models would also have to take into account the parameters that were addressing different audiences with the emergence of new media platforms and instant communication mechanisms," he said.

Hazare says no to Kejriwal's invitation

NEW DELHI: Days after he received an invitation from Arvind Kejriwal to join his indefinite fast, Anna Hazare today said he won't participate in the protest as he has nothing to do with party politics. Addressing the media to announce a nationwide tour from March 31 from Jallianwala Bagh, he said Kejriwal had visited him earlier this week to seek his blessings before his fast and invite him. "We have already said that we are not with any party and we are not going to fight elections. I am not going on March 23 (fast of Kejriwal)," he said. Last Monday after visiting Hazare in Ralegan Siddhi, Kejriwal had said the veteran activist had agreed to come to his protest in Sundar Nagri starting this weekend. Asked whether he will go after March 23, Hazare said if he has time, he will see. "There is nothing wrong in talking to others," he said. Hazare and former Army

He stressed the need to harness power of technology to improve teaching and to extend educational benefits to remote areas. Referring to small number of patent applications filed in India as compared to developed countries, Mukherjee said that Universities should be fertile grounds for innovation and encourage grassroot innovations. He emphasized the need for establishing world class universities in India, asserting it was time to redefine the

way education was imparted in the country. "We cannot expect to impart quality education without teachers who are most equipped to provide guidance to students and encourage research," the president said. Naveen Jindal, chancellor of the university, announced the establishment of the Jindal School of Liberal Arts and Humanities, which will offer courses on the lines of US-based undergraduate programmes from 2014-15.

"If this was a search in the normal course of CBI investigation, CBI is entitled to carry out that search. What business does the government have or the political regime have to interfere in CBI and start stopping that search," he said. Jaitley said the Prime Minister or the Finance Minister "cannot interfere" in the functioning of CBI

Dalai Lama to visit 'Natural resources should be Sikkim and West Bengal declared national wealth'
DHARAMSALA: The Dalai Lama Thursday left Dharamsala for a five-day visit of Sikkim and West Bengal. The Dalai Lama will lead a Vajrakilaya consecration prayer for a new Buddha statue followed by the official inauguration ceremony of the statue on March 25, a Central Tibetan Administration release said. He will give a teaching on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo's Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva (gyalsey laklen sodunma) and on the next day, he will confer a long life empowerment (tsewang), organised by the government of Sikkim. A long life offering prayer for His Holiness will also be organised. The Dalai Lama will give teaching in Salugara, West Bengal, from March 27 to 29. On the morning of March 29, he will confer an Avalokiteshvera Initiation (chenresig wangchen), the release added. NEW DELHI: A Parliamentary panel on Thursday said that the government should take initiatives to declare all natural resources, including coal and iron ore, as national wealth. In a report on Rashtriya Ispat Nigam tabled in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, the Committee on Public Undertakings said, "The Committee reiterate that government should take all possible steps in consultation with state governments to declare all mineral resources as natural wealth." Taking a cue from the Supreme Court's observations in RIL Vs RNRL case, the panel said Centre should take initiatives to declare "all mineral resources including iron ore and coal as national wealth." The Committee, headed by Jagdambika Pal, said it expects the Ministry to furnish action taken on the matter within three months from now. Demanding the Steel Ministry to ensure allocation of mine to RINL, the Committee said the Ministry should make all efforts to get the state-run firm licences for mining leases by the state governments within a time-frame. In a separate report on Steel Authority of India, the Panel said the increased export duty on iron ore will "go a long way in discouraging the export of scarce iron ore to safeguard the future steel requirements of the country." Committee has also sought to government to "clearly specify" its stand on the issue of RINL-SAIL merger.

Sever ties with Pakistan, demands VHP

ALLAHABAD: In the wake of Supreme Court's observation that Pakistan and its spy agency ISI were involved in the 1993 serial blasts at Mumbai, the VHP Thursday said India should sever ties with the neighbouring country "until at least" they hand over Dawood Ibrahim and other accused. "Even the Supreme Court has now blamed Pakistan and ISI. At least now the government should put pressure on the country to hand over Dawood Ibrahim," VHP international working president Pravin Togadia said in a statement issued here. "America hunted down Osama bin Laden after the 9/11 attacks. India too must show strength and diplomatic acumen if it wants to earn respect. "It must now sever all ties with Pakistan, until they hand over Dawood Ibrahim, Tiger Memon and all others whose list has been provided to Pakistan," he said. In its judgement delivered earlier in the day, the apex court observed that Pakistan and its spy agency ISI played a vital role in imparting training to accused which "materialised" in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.

Chief V K Singh said the activists of Jantantra Morcha will embark on a nationwide tour from March 31 from Jallianwala Bagh to awaken people about the need for a holistic change in the system. The first phase of the tour will end on April 17 in western Uttar Pradesh after covering Punjab and Haryana. Hazare said there will 34 meetings in the three states during this period. Singh said after the first phase, there will be a gap of 13 days and then the tour will restart covering Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and other states. In January, Hazare launched another tour in Patna. Continuing his attack on politicmedia, he said, "There are protests inside Parliament due to their vested interests."

Transporters' threaten indefinite strike from April 1

NEW DELHI: Transporters all over the country have threatened to go on strike from April 1 due to the recent hike in third party insurance premium, partial de-control of diesel prices and levy of anti-dumping duty on import of tyres, among other things. All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), an apex body of transporters (both Cargo and Passenger), has said that plethora of contentious issues have affected the road transport sector. "If the government does not resolve our issues by March 30, 2013, then all operations of trucking and transportation would be suspended indefinitely nationwide from midnight of April 1, 2013," Kultaran Singh Atwal, Vice President, AIMTC said here. However, the essential items like fruits, vegetables and medicines have been kept out of this operation in solidarity with the "common man", he said. The Third Party car insurance policy covers legal liability for any compensation to be paid arising from accident caused by one's vehicle. It includes liability for death or injury to third parties like pedestr, occupant of other vehicles, and outsiders other than passengers. The transporters have expressed concern over third party insurance premium being hiked substantially for goods vehicles. Asked whether the body has approached the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for their grievances, Atwal said, "Yes...but it has been of no use. Therefore, we have decided to go on strike from April 1." AIMTC is also demanding industry status for the Road Transport sector, fixation of minimum freight rates for the sector, action against states indulging in illegal entry and mechanical tax collection.

Bound to obey SC order on Italian envoy: Govt

NEW DELHI: Taking a tough stand on the Italian marines' issue, the government has asserted that it was bound by the Supreme Court's order placing curbs on the movement ofItalian ambassador to India, Daniele Mancini. "Our constitutional mandate to abide by the apex court orders supersedes all other obligation," law minister Ashwani Kumar told ToI in an interview. The assertion comes amid a raging debate over whether government will be violating its commitment under the Vienna Convention if it were to enforce apex court's orders. The Italian government had on Saturday told the ministry of external affairs that restricting Mancini's movement at the behest of any Indian authority will be contrary to New Delhi's commitments under the Vienna Convention: a stance that has been endorsed by both theEuropean Union (EU) and independent legal experts. However, the law minister made it plain that the Indian government is duty bound under the Constitution to ensure and facilitate the implementation of the direction of the country's apex court. "UnderArticle 144 of the Constitution all authorities, civil and judicial, in India must act in aid of the orders of the SC. This constitutional mandate must supersede all other obligation," he added. Kumar said that the government will make its position absolutely clear during the next hearing on the issue. This tough stand of the government comes a day after Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had said that "no country will be allowed to take India for granted". While the tough stand is seen as a political imperative in view of opposition's keenness to embarrass the government, it is certain to aggravate tensions with both Italy and the EU. "For the moment I can say that the breach of undertaking given to SC by the Italian government through its ambassador has created an unprecedented situation fraught with serious consequences in our bilateral relations with Italy," Kumar said. He said the question of extent and nature of diplomatic immunity enjoyed by Italian ambassador under the Vienna Convention ought to be considered in context of specific factual situation. The law ministry and the treaties division of the ministry of external affairs are studying the issues involved and the stand of government in the SC will be a studied response to the situation considered in all its dimensions, he added.

CRPF to recruit 3,000 men, women from Naxal-affected states

NEW DELHI: A big recruitment drive will be launched by CRPF in states hit by Naxalism to induct close to 3,000 locals as constables in the force. The recruitment rallies will begin in the middle of April and will be finished by May, a senior officer in the paramilitary said. The recruitment drive is being specially conducted by the force in the area of its operations as the central government has planned to fill a substantial chunk (30 percent) of total hiring in constabulary from the local areas. The recruitment rallies will be held in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra and West Bengal. Hiring of locals in forces like CRPF will bring the young people of the area in the mainstream and also help the security forces befriending locals, the officer said. Similar drives will also be held in Jammu and Kashmir and the North Eastern states but for CRPF the focus is Naxal violence hit areas, the officer added. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is the country's largest paramilitary force with close to three lakh men and women in its ranks. More than 80,000 personnel of the force are deployed exclusively for anti-Maoist operations in the Left Wing Extremism affected states.

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strike exercise. Still photographs broadcast on state television seemed to show what looked like a rudimentary drone is being flown into a mountainside target and exploding.s Kim has personally overseen a host of rocket and artillery drills in recent weeks, mostly at frontline bases near the disputed maritime border with South Korea which has been a flashpoint for military clashes in the past. Since the UN Security Council tightened sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear test last month, Pyongyang has issued a range of apocalyptic threats including "pre-emptive" nuclear strikes. It also announced it was scrapping the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War, but its rhetoric has yet to be matched by any overt military action.

North Korea threatens to attack US bases in Japan, Guam

SEOUL: North Korea threatened strikes on US military bases in Japan and Guam, escalating tensions as suspicion deepened that Pyongyang was behind a cyber attack on South Korean broadcasters and banks. The tone of the strike threat, attributed to a spokesman of the army's supreme command, blended with the torrent of warlike rhetoric spewed out by Pyongyang in recent weeks, but stood out for its precise naming of targets. Military tensions on the Korean peninsula are at their highest level for years, with Pyongyang irate at the use of nuclear-capable US B-52 bombers and nuclear submarines in ongoing joint military drills with South Korea. "The US should not forget that the Andersen base on Guam where B-52s take off and naval bases on the Japan mainland and Okinawa where nuclear-powered submarines are launched, are all within the range of our precision target assets," the army spokesman said. North Korea has successfully tested medium-range missiles that can reach Japan, but has no proven long-range missile capability that would allow it to hit targets on the US mainland or Guam more than 2,000 miles away. Nevertheless, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced last week that Washington had decided to bolster missile defenses along the US west coast so as to "stay ahead of the threat" from the North Korean regime. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un had issued a more general threat to destroy US bases "in the operational theatre of the Pacific" yesterday, as he directed a drone

Obama urges Palestinians 24 killed in China thunderstorm to return to peace talks

by the West's nuclear standoff with Iran and civil war in Syria. "My argument is even though both sides may have areas of strong disagreement, may be engaging in activities that the other side thinks is a breach of good faith, we have to push through those things to try to get an agreement," Obama said. The core issue now, Obama said, is how to achieve sovereignty for Palestinians and security for Israelis. Some 150 Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Ramallah to protest against Obama's visit. They were held back by ranks of police who prevented them from nearing Abbas's compound. A smiling Obama, accompanied by Abbas, was met by mostly stern-faced Palestinian officials along a red carpet - a stark contrast to the broad grins and backslapping during an elaborate welcoming ceremony on Wednesday at Israel's Tel Aviv airport.

Interpol rejects Pak's request to arrest Musharraf

ISLAMABAD: Interpol has rejected Pakistan's request to issue a Red Corner Notice against former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in connection with Benazir Bhutto's assassination case, days ahead of his homecoming from self-exile. Musharraf has cleared the final hurdle to his plans to return to Pakistan as he no longer faces the possibility of arrest at the hands of Interpol. The 69-year-old former President, who went into self-exile in early 2009, has said he intends to return to Pakistan on March 24 to lead his party All Pakistan Muslim League in upcoming polls. He has been shuttling between London and Dubai after he went out of Pakistan in exile. Islamabad's request to issue a Red Corner Notice for Musharraf was rejected by the Interpol headquarters in a reply sent to Pakistani authorities, who had sought an arrest warrant for him as a suspect in Bhutto's assassination. In its reply, Interpol said the possible arrest of Musharraf seems to be "politically motivated". This is the second time a request from the Federal Investigation Agency has been rejected by Interpol. Last year, Interpol rejected the same request due to insufficient documents submitted by Pakistani authorities. In response, Pakistani authorities sent a second request to the Interpol director with investigation reports, including copies of statements by former Inter-Services Intelligence counter-intelligence wing chief Javed Iqbal Cheema, former Intelligence Bureau chief Ejaz Shah, US-based journalist Marc Siegel's emails to Bhutto and copies of orders issued by an anti-terrorism court against Musharraf. The anti-terrorism court had declared Musharraf a fugitive and issued arrest warrants for him after he refused to cooperate with investigators probing Bhutto's assassination.

RAMALLAH, WEST BANK: US President Barack Obama voiced opposition on Thursday to Israeli settlement building but pressed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to drop his demand for a freeze before Middle East peace talks can resume. After an effusive welcome in Israel, Obama travelled to the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where disillusioned Palestinians held out little hope that their moment in the spotlight of a US presidential visit would speed their quest for statehood Obama said he had "been clear" with Israeli Prime

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Washington did not consider continued settlement activity to be constructive to "the cause of peace". But Obama stopped short of calling for a halt to settlement expansion a demand he had made early in his first term and signaled his frustration over the failure of Israel and the Palestinians to find a way to resume talks stalled since 2010. However, he offered no new ideas on how to get Israelis and Palestinians negotiating again at a time when prospects for a peace deal are grim in a region destabilized

BEIJING: At least 24 people were killed and four others missing after thunderstorm hit parts of southern China in the last two days, the authorities said on Thursday. A total of 1.53 million residents from the provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong and Guizhou have been affected by severe weather conditions including thunder, gales and hail storms and 215,000 people have been forced to relocate, the Ministry of Civil Affairs

said. Twenty-four people have been killed and another four are missing due to natural disasters since Tuesday, the statement said. The disasters have caused direct economic losses of 1.31 billion yuan (USD 210.7 million) with about 248,000 homes damaged and 92,900 hectares of farmland affected, it said. State-run CCTV reported heavy hail storm damaged cars and injured many people.

China's Xi to visit Russia on Friday

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping will embark on a visit to Russia tomorrow, his first trip abroad after assuming charge, amid expectation here of a major boost in bilateral defense ties, including Moscow's sale of its latest weapons to cash-rich Chinese military. The visit has been billed as the most significant by a Chinese leader to Russia after the 1961 break of ties between the erstwhile Soviet Union and Communist Party of China headed by Mao Zedong. "The fact that I will visit Russia, our friendly neighbor, shortly after assuming Presidency is a testimony to the great importance China places on its relations with Russia and to the high level and special nature of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between the two countries," Xi told Editors of the BRICS nations here this week. Highlighting the importance of the new emerging relationship aimed at counter US Pivot to Asia-Pacific, 59year-old Xi said relations are "booming" as the two countries have completely settled the boundary issue in 2004 placing their political ties on a solid foundation. Two-way trade between China and Russia surged by 14 times in 20 years and reached a record $88.2 billion last year.

Kerry: US, Iran can work diplomatically to reduce tension

WASHINGTON: There is an opportunity to "work diplomatically" to reduce tensions between the two countries, the US Secretary of State John Kerry said in his Nowruz message to the people of Iran. "Despite the difficult history of the last decades between the United States and Iran, there is an opportunity to work diplomatically to reduce tensions and address the mistrust between our two countries, to the mutual benefit of both of our people," Kerry said yesterday in his special message to the Iranian People on Nowruz. The United States, he said, is strongly committed to resolving the differences between Iran and the United States, and continuing to work toward a new day in the relationship. "Just last month, Americans and Iranians came together to demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship and camaraderie on the wrestling mats in Tehran. On this Nowruz, we would like to reaffirm our desire to continue building strong people-to-people ties to promote greater understanding, peace, and progress," he said. Sending warm wishes for health and prosperity to the people of Iran and all those who celebrate Nowruz around the world, Kerry said, this year they are once again reminded of the outstanding contributions of IranianAmericans and Iranian students here in the United States, which reflect the rich history of the culture. sThis ancestral festival, which has been observed for more than 3,000 years, marks the Iranian/Persian New Year.

ECONOMY

'Regional cooperation needed for growth of northeast': Skand Ranjan

SHILLONG: India's former ambassador to South Korea Skand Ranjan Tayal on Thursday said the time was favorable to conceptualize and implement a regional approach involving India, Myanmar and Bangladesh for the growth of north-eastern states. "Policy makers and strategic thinkers of India, Myanmar and Bangladesh need to place the quality of life and socio-economic well-being at the forefront among conflicting sentiments," Tayal, a former Indian Foreign Service officer, said. "It is in the long-term interest of the three countries that regional economic cooperation, collaboration and possible integration is insulated from the political environment." India's northeast shares a 4,500-km border with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and China but conContinental Route' organized by Indian Council of Social Science Research here in the Describing Myanmar as the land bridge between the northeast and markets of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and beyond in East Asia, Tayal said: "Myanmar has opened up its doors to the outside world and this assumes its rightfully significant place in ASEAN." Moreover, he said, there were many untapped possibilities for a closer economic partnership between India and Bangladesh in which people of both countries would benefit. With the operationalisation of the Free Trade Agreement between ASEAN and India, the institutional framework was in place for exploring the possibilities of deeper economic linkages between the northeast and ASEAN economies, Tayal said.

Systems to prevent money laundering in India perfect, says RBI

MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank of India sought to downplay the money-laundering allegations against three private sector banks, saying the country has a "perfect" system to prevent such offences and that not a single such transaction took place in the sting operation. The country's three largest private banks ICICI bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank were last week accused of indulging in money laundering both within and outside with an online portal, Cobrapost, claiming that the sting operation conducted by it had revealed a scam. "Allegations do not mean flouting norms. There is not a single transaction which has taken place. KYC violations will happen in any system. These are all transactional issues and have nothing to do with m o n e y laundering," RBI Deputy Go v ern o r, K.C. Chakrabarty said. The senior most Deputy Governor further said, "there is no scam (that) has happened...as no transaction has taken place." "Let us not unnecessarily downgrade ourself. Our system to prevent money laundering is perfect, absolutely nothing (wrong with it)," he said. Chakrabarty also said the RBI will further tighten the antimoney laundering norms if needed. "If we find there is a need to further tighten any guidelines, we'll do that." The comments come even as the RBI, Finance Ministry and the banks concerned are probing the allegations that some officials of these banks offered to facilitate money laundering. On March 14, Cobrapost had released the contents of purported video recording of officials of HDFC, ICICI and Axis Bank allegedly agreeing to receive unverified sums of cash and put them in their investment schemes and benami accounts in violation of anti-money laundering laws. Following the allegations, the banks had also suspended some employees in question. The RBI has also initiated scrutiny of the three banks for alleged violation of KYC guidelines. It has said final reports will be completed by March 31 and thereafter further course of action as necessary will be initiated.

nects with the rest of India by a narrow 22-km strip called the Siliguri corridor. Tayal, who has wide experience in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, was delivering a keynote address at an international seminar on 'India's Look East Policy and the North Eastern Region: Strengthening the

Meghalaya capital. Stating that Myanmar and Bangladesh were important for long-term economic growth of the northeast, the former envoy said India must be steadfast on its course, nurture a positive outlook and inculcate a spirit of constructive cooperation among the bordering countries.

ONGC makes 3 major oil and gas discoveries

NEW DELHI: State-run explorer Oil and Natural Gas Corp. (ONGC) Thursday said it has made three significant oil and gas discoveries. Two of the finds are in India's east coast and one in the state of Tripura, it said. In a statement, ONGC said its board has also decided to invest over Rs.4,050 crore to upgrade its Arabian Sea facilities. The company said in its prelicensing round block located in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, the exploratory well Vanaduru South 1 flowed at the rate of 181 barrels a day and gas at the rate of 51,772 cubic meters per day. Saying that "the oil is of very high quality", the company said the discovery indicates a good potential in the area. The board also took note of more discoveries made in NELP block KG-OSN-2004/1, in Krishna Godavari shallow offshore basin on the east coast, the statement said. "This high potential discovery augments the hydrocarbon volumes established through two earlier discoveries, namely Chandrika South and Alankari, in the block," the statement said. According to the company, the discovery is a significant boost to ONGC's efforts towards attaining critical hydrocarbon volumes for viability of a possible "cluster based development" for the block. The ONGC board also decided to invest over Rs.4, 050 crore to upgrade western offshore facilities through two major projects. The first project is the revamp of unmanned platforms Phase-II in Mumbai High and the Neelam and Heera asset. The total revamp job is expected to be completed by premonsoon 2016. The second project concerns revamp of two major process complexes, BPA and BPB, in the prolific Bassein and Satellite field in the western offshore. While the revamping work of BPB is planned to be completed in 2013-14, that for BPA is scheduled for completion in 2014-15.

InterGlobe to open 13 ibis hotels across India by 2015

NEW DELHI: Hospitality firm InterGlobe Hotels on Thursday said it will open 13 new hotels under economy brand 'ibis' across the country by 2015, entailing an investment of nearly Rs 600 crore exclusive of land cost of the projects. "We will be opening 13 new hotels across India by 2015 thereby adding 2,000 rooms. The investment will be Rs 30 lakh on an average per room. This is excluding the land cost," Uttam Dave, President and CEO, InterGlobe Hotels said. All the new hotels will be under the ibis brand, which is an economy brand, he added. Dave was speaking on the sidelines of 'Hi Aim 2013', hospitality industry's conference and exposition on architecture, interior design and management here. InterGlobe Hotels is a joint venture between hospitality major Accor and InterGlobe Enterprises. The company currently has 1,500 rooms spread across its seven properties in India. "The new hotels will be located in Delhi, Mumbai, Nasik, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, Jaipur and Hyderabad among others," Dave said. When asked about how the company proposes to raise finances for the expansion Dave said it will be a mix of debt and equity. Since its creation in 1974 ibis has expanded continuously and has a network of 983 hotels having 1,21,004 rooms in 58 countries.

Volvo Cars plans assembly unit in India

NEW DELHI: Swedish automaker Volvo Cars is finally looking to take the big step and expand its operations in India. It is looking to set up a local assembling operation for its cars in the country. Since its entry into India in 2007, Volvo Cars has only accessed the market through the CBU, or completely built units, import route. Volvo is in talks with potential local partners to strike an agreement which will allow it to use an existing plant for the assembly plan. This way the company will not have to invest in a greenfield plant, which in turn means cost savings and quicker turnaround time. Sources in the company's Gothenburg, Sweden headquarters indicate that the likely partner will be Volvo AB, the Swedish company that shares only its name and logo with the car maker. Volvo AB has an Indian subsidiary which makes buses with a captive plant in Bangalore. Volvo AB also has a joint venture in India with Eicher (Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles) to produce medium and heavy trucks. Volvo Cars is owned by Chinese carmaker Geely. The move to set up an assembly operation will help Volvo scale up in the market that already sees fierce competition between other luxury marques - BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar Land Rover. Volvo currently sells the S60 and S80 sedans, and the XC60 and XC90 SUVs in India. It plans to debut the V40 Cross Country in the next few weeks. Currently, Volvo is well behind the German brands in the luxury car market and had sold 820 cars in India in 2012. Audi and BMW clocked over 9,000 units each during that time.

Life insurers to have standard form for policyholders: IRDA

MUMBAI: To bring about uniformity and transparency in policies sold by life insurers, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has asked all life insurers to adopt a standard form for policyholders seeking insurance cover. "The objective of this regulation is to provide for a standard proposal form for individual policies in life insurance that has an inbuilt flexibility for seeking specialized information that is product specific to a particular product category," IRDA said in a notification. The application form has detailed questions which customers have to fill. Further, it requires insurers, agents and brokers to sign on the recommendations they make to the customers, thereby putting the onus of selling the insurance product on them. The regulation applies to all individual policies issued by life insurance companies irrespective of segment and type of product.

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STUDENT AGE FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

MISC
Gambhir confirms IPL-6 participation
GURGAON: India opener G a u t a m Gambhir on Thursday confirmed his participation in the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Gambhir, who is suffering from mild jaundice, captained the Kolkata Knight Riders to the title last year. "I am available for the IPL. It's a mild jaundice, hoping to be good in 4-5 days time," Gambhir said. The left-hander missed the last two matches for Delhi in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy due to illness and

Red Bull eyes turnaround in Malaysian Grand Prix

SEPANG : The Red Bull Formula 1 racing team is eyeing a turnaround in the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix after failing to make good use of the front row start in Melbourne last week. Mark Webber, who started in second place, could only finish sixth in the Australian Grand Prix and admitted that the team needed improvements after the first race of the season. "It's like literally doing an exam Even if you are winning, you are still learning. When you got beaten, obviously you learn more," he said at the Sepang

International Circuit on Thursday. Webber said the team didn't need to panic as the season is still in an early stage. "The team is still very composed, we are doing a lot of things right." Webber's teammate and three-time world champion Sebastian Vettel failed to turn his pole position into victory, finishing third behind Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and race winner Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus. Webber hoped the tyre problem would be improved during the weekend.

also missed a chance to make a return to the Indian national side after being selected to replace injured Shikhar Dhawan for the fourth and final Test match against Australia starting on Friday. Gambhir missed the last two matches for Delhi in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy due to illness.

Bhutia new cheif of AIFF technical committee

NEW DELHI: Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has been appointed chairman of the All India Football Federation's technical committee, marking the Sikkimese sniper's foray into administration. Bhutia, who retired from international football in 2011 following the national team's dismal showing in the Asian Cup in Doha, where it failed to win a single match, was the torchbearer of Indian football during a career spanning 16 years. "He is becoming chairman of the technical committee. The decision was taken by President Praful Patel. Normally, any committee or head of it is formed with the concurrence of the president," AIFF vice-president Subrata Dutta said. It was learnt that the 36year-old's appointment had been finalized at the last executive committee meeting of the All India Football Federation. Bhutia's appointment means former India international Mohammad Habib would be removed as head of the technical committee. Besides Habib, the current committee consists of former international players such as Habib, Inder Singh and Pradip Chowdhury. Habib had last year accused the AIFF of making its much-hyped technical committee defunct.

Sochi to open multi-faith centers for 2014 Games

MOSCOW: Three multi-faith prayer centers will open in Sochi for athletes at next year'sWinter Olympics, organisers said on Thursday. The centers will cater for five major world religions offering services in different languages, including English and French, organisers said. "A multi-faith centre will represent five religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism," organising committee official Vitaly Savilov said. "We will provide five prayer rooms for each religion in one place and two zones with corresponding infrastructure for visitors," he added. A centre will be built at each of the three Olympic villages: at the coastal cluster of skating facilities; at the mountain cluster of ski and snowboard venues; and at the so-called Endurance Olympic Village for biathlon and Nordic Combined competitors.

Jammu goldsmiths at the verge of closing shops

while interacting with the Student Age Correspondent. He said that the rapid fluctuadays earlier and then plummeted to Rs29000. The rate of fluctuation is so severe that

Erratic price of gold affecting their trade

JAMMU, MARCH 21: The gold smiths of Jammu known for their traditional art and finesse all over the country are nowadays fearing that their ancestral trade may not become a thing of past. The grave apprehensions to this effect were expressed by the general Secretary of the Swarankar Sangh Ajay Vaid

Rapid fluctuation in the rates of gold has put the poor goldsmiths in a very risky position and if the prices do not stablise they will have to look for other jobs to make their both ends meet. AJAY VAID General Secretary Swarankar Sangh

tion in the rates of gold has put the poor goldsmiths in a very risky position and if the prices do not stablise they will have to look for other jobs to make their both ends meet. Vaid further said that the rates of gold were Rs33200 per ten grams a couple of

it has hit the rock bottom margins of the slender profits of the gold smiths. This he mentioned has made the future of goldsmiths risky. Adding further, Vaid said that that the hourly fluctuations in gold prices had affected their credibility among their customers who too are at the receiving

end of the price fluctuation. He asked the government to take stock of their plight and devise ways and mean whereby the interests of the small and marginal goldsmiths are safeguarded otherwise there is every possibility that their hundreds of years old profession may come to a sad end.

Sports Council constitutes 10 District Councils

JAMMU: To strengthen the administrative set-up at the district level with an aim to reach out to the sporting talent at the grass root level, the State Sports Council has initiated the process of constituting District Councils. To begin with 10 such District Councils have been set-up by appointing existing members of the State Sports Council as chairmen and office bearers of various sports associations as members. The composition also included an employee of the Sports Council as member secretary and district officer of the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) as one of the seven members. Document prepared for the purpose mentioned the functions and powers of these units. It (document) said that the District Councils shall be the principal body for the coordination of various activities of district sports associations. It has been learnt reliably that these units will also assist the State Sports Council in Carrying out its programmes in an effective manner at the grass root level. The first 10 District Councils have been set up at Anantnag, Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Pulwama, Doda, Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri and Udhampur. Members of the State Sports Council, who have been made chairmen of these units, are Farooq Ahmad Shah (Anantnag), Sheikh Fazal Ahmed (Budgam), Peer Siraj-udDin(Baramulla), Sheikh Mustafa Kamal (Kupwara), Prof BA Shah (Pulwama), Ajay Sharma (Doda), Ramesh Mahajan (Kathua), Manjeet Singh (Poonch), Kuldeep Magotra (Rajouri) and Shiv Kumar Sharma (Udhampur.

Somdev in second round of Miami Masters

MIAMI: Continuing his impressive comeback post a shoulder surgery, Somdev Devvarman erased a one-set deficit to beat world number 78 Evgeny Donskoy in his opening round of the ATP Miami Masters. The 254th ranked Indian recorded a 4-7 7-6 (5) 6-2 wins over his firstround Russian rival. A stern test though awaits Somdev as he next faces world number 34 Spaniard Feliciano Lopez, who got a bye in his opening round. Somdev has beaten a few top-100 players after making a comeback this season. Victories against world number 39 Benoit Paire and 78th ranked Bjorn Phau were memorable ones. In the match against Donskoy, Somdev saved six break chances in the opening set but failed on one occasion and that let the Russian run away with lead and momentum. In the second set, the two players traded breaks and Somdev prevailed in the tiebreaker. In the deciding third set, Somdev saved all three breakpoints and converted two of the five chances to move to next level. Meanwhile, in the doubles event, seventh seeds Leander Paes and Michael Llodra will open their campaign against Kas Christopher and Philipp Kohlschreiber.

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